Kathryn Schley, LCSW was named Chief Strategy Officer in October 2023. Kathryn came to SouthLight in 2015 and has served in a variety of roles. Starting as a Program Manager of a small grant funded program, she has since served as a Program Director, Senior Operations Director, Director of Development, and Senior Director of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Kathryn has over 20 years of behavioral health experience. She has worked as a social worker in a local health department, homeless shelter, and as a therapist at a local hospital clinic, but has always been drawn to leadership and macro-level social work no matter where she has worked. Kathryn is a solution-focused leader who challenges the status quo, always hoping to find new and innovative, effective ways to provide services and impact the lives of the people SouthLight serves.

Kathryn has a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from UNC-Wilmington, a Masters Degree in Social Work from NC State, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She lives in Raleigh with her partner, Dan, and their dog Milo. They enjoy cheering on the NC State Wolfpack and spending time at the beach together.