Meet Our Team

Olivia Essig, Campaign Director

Olivia plans and organizes the annual campaign, develops and implements fundraising strategies, and recruits, trains, and motivates volunteers to achieve success.

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Cassi Severson, Campaign Associate 

Cassi coordinates and supports campaign initiatives by supporting volunteers, donors and businesses. Cassi manages agency tours, coordinates speakers and helps secure co-marketing fundraisers in the community. 

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Jody Kollars, Major Gifts & Planned Giving Director

Jody focuses on creating and cultivating relationships with major and planned givers, assists Alexis de Tocqueville Society campaign volunteers, and helps individuals leave a legacy through a planned gift to Sioux Empire United Way.

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Katie Popowski, Marketing Director 

Katie leads the development and execution of marketing strategies to promote the functions of Sioux Empire United Way, partner agencies, and community programs.

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Christina Riss, Community Impact Director

Christina actively researches community needs and works to develop initiatives aimed at helping to meet those needs; she also supports volunteers of the Community Impact teams and our funded agencies as needed.

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Alan H. Turner II, President/Chief Executive Officer

Provides organizational strategic direction, leadership in community impact and resource development, board engagement, and financial and operational oversight. 

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Shawna VW, Finance & Database Specialist

Shawna maintains our database of givers, generates reports, processes and tracks pledges from the fall campaign, and supports finance operations.

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Heather Viergutz-McDonald, Finance Director

Heather leads all administrative and financial duties, including bookkeeping, budgeting, accounts receivable and accounts payable, and pledge processing and tracking from the fall campaign.

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Jill Chedester, Administrative Associate

Jill is the first face you see in our office on a typical day as she greets guests and volunteers. Additionally, Jill coordinates Imagination Library, Connecting Kids, Heart Club recognition, AED grants, and other special projects. 

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