United Way of Kaw Valley Announces New Hires for Three Positions
Jan. 30, 2023, Topeka, Kan.— United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV), the organization that resulted from the recent United Way of Greater Topeka/United Way of Douglas County merger, has filled three staff openings, with new employees starting in January.
Kathy Smith is the new Vice President of Douglas County Initiatives. A Topeka transplant, Smith now lives in Lawrence and is a third-generation Kansan. She has experience with nonprofit grantmaking, event planning, organizational convening, donor development and relationship building.
Smith will oversee community investments in Douglas County, including grant-making, building relationships with agency partners, and strategic planning for the future of impact throughout the community. Her office is located in UWKV’s new Douglas County location, 1127 Iowa St. in Lawrence.
TJ McDonald is the new Director of Workplace Campaigns. TJ joins UWKV with years of experience in the sales and insurance industry. He has built great connections in the Topeka corporate world and enjoys helping businesses leverage their gifts to make the biggest impact in the community.
Based in the Topeka office, TJ will work with businesses throughout Shawnee and Jackson County to execute their workplace campaigns and to develop year-round corporate partnerships with United Way of Kaw Valley. He will also work with UWKV’s Young Leaders Society donor affinity group, and with key campaign volunteers, including annual Campaign Ambassadors.
Nic Simons is the new Director of Major Gifts & Legacy Giving. Nic has spent his career working in education, youth sports, and grant development. Each of his roles has afforded him the opportunity to work with donors and individuals across all the counties served by United Way of Kaw Valley.
Nic will work with donors who make gifts outside the workplace campaign, specifically leadership ($1,000 or more per year) and Tocqueville-level donors ($10,000 or more per year). This includes individuals making gifts of stock, IRA charitable rollovers, irrevocable trusts, and legacy gifts. He will also work with our Women United and Always United (retirees) donor affinity groups.
