Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I bring 15 years of nonprofit, higher education, and fundraising experience to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. My background includes social work, strategic planning, and most recently, serving as the Director of Parent and Community Relations for Warren Wilson College. While there I oversaw parent and community giving, the Families of Wilson Council, and sponsorships.
I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook’em Horns!) and a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. My husband, Jason, and I live in South Asheville, and we have two boys, Reid and Ellis.
Give us a glimpse into your role at United Way. How do you help us fulfill our mission? What are you most excited about accomplishing as a team?
I joined United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County in September 2022 as Director of Major Gifts. In collaboration with the Resource Development team, we’re committed to connecting our donors’ philanthropic interests with UWABC’s mission, programs, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. I’m accountable for the leadership, development, and strategic planning of UWABC’s individual giving strategy with an annual goal of $1 million in major giving. My role focuses on building and nurturing relationships with Tocqueville Society members and individuals giving $10,000 or more to help sustain our results-driven impact and strengthen our community.
What’s your favorite thing about our community?
Our community attracts friendly and thoughtful people from all over the country making it a dynamic place to live, work, and raise a family. I love the entrepreneurial and creative spirit, the seasonal climate, the food and music scene, and the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains that surround us.
What would we find you doing when you aren’t at work?
You could find me hiking the MST, watching my sons play sports, sharing a meal with friends or family, knitting, doing Yoga with Adriene, and eating paella with my family on Sundays.
Do you have any podcast, book, music, or movie recommendations?
I love Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead podcasts. My favorite books are Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh, Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, and The Inner Level by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. Some of my favorite music comes from Lake Street Dive, Ben Harper, Ani DiFranco, D’Angelo, Andrew Bird, and Wynton Marsalis.
