One could assume that once a mild-mannered accountant took the helm at the United Way of Hamblen County back in 2000, it would be all about 13-column spreadsheets. After all, every donation needed to be counted and the numbers better be right.

Yet, as Gary Matthews revealed during his official retirement interview this week, the role of executive director at the office - that records more per capita giving than some larger United Way locations across the state - is executed on a more personal level.

“We’ve had a lot of good agency directors through the years, and I’ve enjoyed working with them,” Matthews said. “What they do, I couldn’t do. I couldn’t be on the front lines like they are. What they provide is an invaluable service, an invaluable resource to our community and I applaud ever

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