Tom Vicini has served as President & CEO for Operation UNITE since October 1, 2023. He manages all substance use prevention, education, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement initiatives for the non-profit, anti-drug organization that serves a 33-county area across southern and eastern Kentucky.

Tom joined UNITE’s education team in June 2006, serving as a Coalition Coordinator. In this role, he assisted with the formation and operation of UNITE Community Coalitions; collaborated with schools, parent groups, churches, businesses, and individuals to implement programming designed to prevent substance misuse.

He was promoted to Deputy Director in August 2015, continuing to work with coalitions in addition to filling roles as Law Enforcement Coordinator and Human Resources Manager. He managed youth programming aimed to promote healthy, drug-free living, and assisted individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Prior to joining UNITE, Tom served 13 years as Mayor and an additional 12 years as City Councilman for the City of Lynch (his hometown), was manager of Human Resources and Quality Control for Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries in Cumberland, and worked in various capacities of the coal mining industry for 25 years with U.S. Steel, Arch Mineral Corporation, and S&S Service.

Tom has been a volunteer coach for the Tri-City Little League in Harlan County for 45 years. In 2012, he was honored by The Partnership at Drugfree.org (now Partnership to End Addiction) and Major League Baseball Charities with their third annual Commissioner’s Play Healthy “National Coach of the Year” Award. In 2012, he received the “Hal Rogers Leadership Award” for outstanding leadership and dedication to Operation UNITE and a Congressional Tribute from Congressman Rogers for working with youth through Operation UNITE and Tri-City Little League Baseball. Tom also served as President and Coach in the Lynch Recreational Basketball league for 17 years.

Tom is a member of Dione Baptist Church in Harlan County where he has served as Youth Bible Study Teacher and, for the past 13 years, as an Adult Sunday School Teacher. Tom also serves as a Board Member for the Harlan County Boys and Girls Club and is a member of the Foundation Board for the Harlan Appalachian Challenge Academy.