AUGUSTA, ME — United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) is proud to announce Katie and Chris Doherty as co-chairs of the 2026 United Way campaign, launching this September. In this leadership role, the Dohertys will steward UWKV’s long-running community investment effort. As a couple deeply rooted in Kennebec Valley, they will serve as connectors, helping to bring people, businesses, and organizations together to fuel the collective effort behind this year’s campaign theme: “United is the Way.”
Katie, president & CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Chris, a golf professional at Brunswick Golf Club, live in Gardiner with their two children, Scarlett and Grayson. Together, they offer a strong track record of leadership, local knowledge, and a shared commitment to strengthening Kennebec Valley. Their responsibilities will include expanding workplace and community giving, growing the Campaign Champions network, and aligning business, nonprofit, school, and civic leaders around UWKV’s mission of uniting people and resources to improve lives in our community.
“This community has given us so much—both personally and professionally,” said Katie. “It’s where we’ve built our careers, our relationships, and where we’re raising our family.”
The Kennebec Valley is a region rich in culture, educational resources, diverse industry, and natural beauty. These strengths create the foundation for opportunity, connection, and well-being. Even with these strengths, many neighbors face barriers to fully participating in this shared prosperity. UWKV’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population data show that 40% of households in the Kennebec Valley are struggling to make ends meet. United Way brings people and resources together to remove these barriers, aligning community partners around shared Impact2032 goals in health, education, and financial stability.
“Supporting United Way is a way to give back to the same community that continues to support all of us,” Chris said. “When one part of our community thrives, we all do.”
This work is powered by collective support. Last year, UWKV raised more than $2 million to support 62 nonprofit and school-based programs across the Kennebec Valley, made possible by the generosity of thousands of donors and more than 150 organizational partners. Through its Campaign Champions network and the leadership of the Dohertys, UWKV aims to build on this momentum and deepen community engagement in 2026.
“What excites us most is the opportunity to bring people together around something bigger than any one of us,” Katie said. “Every dollar raised through United Way directly supports programs that strengthen our community—from basic needs to education and workforce support.”
This year’s campaign will spotlight youth opportunity—one of United Way’s three key impact areas—by elevating programs that help all children succeed. From literacy tutoring and school-based mentoring to scholarships and enrichment opportunities, these initiatives support families, remove barriers, and create pathways to long-term success.
“As parents, this work is especially meaningful to us,” said Chris. “Supporting youth opportunities means investing in the future of our community—and in the future of our own children.”
A lifelong resident of the region and a graduate of Thomas College, Katie has served as President & CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce for the past nine years, following her time as Program Director. She has helped bring major events like IRONMAN 70.3 Maine to Augusta and advanced leadership programs including the Kennebec Leadership Institute and 7th UP, while serving in statewide and national chamber leadership roles.
Chris, originally from Topsham, is a golf professional at Brunswick Golf Club. His career includes experience at several of Maine’s premier courses, including Augusta Country Club. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to growing the game and strengthening community connections through golf.
Together, they are deeply committed to the wellbeing of Kennebec Valley and to supporting organizations like United Way as vital partners in meeting the needs of our community.
United Way of Kennebec Valley invites all of Kennebec Valley to join this year’s campaign. Whether through workplace giving, individual donations, or volunteering, every contribution helps build a community where everyone can thrive.
If you are interested in serving as a United Way Campaign Champion or supporting the fundraising effort, please contact (207) 626-3400. For more information about United Way of Kennebec Valley, visit uwkv.org.
