Monday Conversation is a question-and-answer interview with a local person. This week’s interview is with Jami Reever, the new director of the United Way of the Flint Hills. She moved to Emporia from Johnstown, Pa.
Q How do you like Emporia?
A I am loving Emporia. I have been here two weeks and it is already feeling like home. I will be working part-time for United Way for the first couple of weeks and then I will move into full-time once my kids get into school.
Q What is your background?
A I have my master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofits. For my entire professional career, I have only worked at nonprofit organizations. I really believe in them and the work that they do. They make a lasting impression in our communities.
Q What are the challenges you see for the United Way?
A I think the greatest challenge all nonprofits are facing is really a tight economy. When that happens, it is really the responsibility of each nonprofit to work even harder to prove why their organization and causes are worth donating to. One thing I have noticed is when the economy is tight, the need is often greater. So I hope when people consider making donations to any nonprofit they keep in mind that their donation is needed now more than ever.
Q What have you been doing to familiarize yourself with the United Way?
A Since I have been here in Emporia, I have been taking time to meet with the leaders of the United Way and meeting with community leaders. I am not just trying to learn about the United Way but learn about the entire Flint Hills area. I think the best way to serve this community is to fully know it.
Q What are some of your goals?
A My goals right now are to get to know the community and to ensure the solid foundation that has been laid over the past several years continues. I really want the United Way to continue to be a strong organization in the Flint Hills.
Q Will the fundraising campaign be at the usual time this year?
A The board decided before I started to push it back a little bit. That was a combination of the transition, but also learning some lessons from the timing in previous years. The Pacesetters campaign will be launching in September, with the general campaign in October, and will conclude at the end of this year.
Q What do you want the community to know about you?
A I want them to know that I genuinely care about the people of this community, and I want to do my best to serve every one of them.
Q Tell us about your family and hobbies?
A My husband, Kim Simons, is a professor at the university. He teaches biochemistry. We have two boys. Jack is 3 and Ben is 5 and they will be going to Sacred Heart School. Our hobbies are pretty much doing what our kids are doing. But we like getting outdoors, hiking and camping.