UNSUNG HEROES 2024
Knox County Coalition Chair Claudia Gibson Greenwood was presented Operation UNITE ’ s first “ Hometown Hero ” award during their coalition meeting in Barbourville on February 6 , 2024 . From left are UNITE Coalition Coordinator Lynnell Fields , Field Representative for Congressman Hal Rogers Tamra Wilson , Greenwood , and UNITE President & CEO Tom Vicini . | PHOTO COURTESY CLAUDIA GREENWOOD
have Claudia as Chair of the Knox UNITE Coalition overseeing our mission and work against substance misuse in this county . She is truly a ‘ Hometown Hero .’”
Congressman Hal Rogers , who launched UNITE in 2003 , said Greenwood was one of the first community coalition leaders in eastern Kentucky — helping to educate students , communities and families dealing with addiction at the height of the war on drugs .
“ She never backed down ,” Rogers stated . “ Claudia is truly a local hero , who helped develop a coalition that has been a model of success for communities across the country . I applaud her life-saving efforts here at home that have made a lasting difference in our region .”
Greenwood has been actively involved with the Knox County
“ Claudia is truly a local hero , who helped develop a coalition that has been a model of success for communities across the country . I applaud her life-saving efforts here at home that have made a lasting difference in our region .”
— CONGRESSMAN HAL ROGERS
UNITE Community Coalition since its 2004 inception , initially co-chairing the Grant Writing & Fundraising Committee . She has served as Coalition Chair for the past decade .
After retiring from the Knox County Public School System with 27 years of teaching under her belt ,
Greenwood moved into a grant writing , public relations and clerk position at the Knox County Attorney ’ s Office . It was under the direction of the late County Attorney Charley Greene Dixon — the coalition ’ s first chair — that Greenwood became so involved with the chamber and Knox County community .
In 2010 , Greenwood became the chamber ’ s Executive Director and has spearheaded the effort to increase support for the chamber across the community .
Understanding that prevention is a critical component of substance use prevention , Greenwood has been a vocal advocate for UNITE and its three-pronged approach at the local , state and national levels . Under her leadership , the coalition has involved all sectors of the Knox County community in support of
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