In July of 2007, the United Way of Johnson County, Bi- County United Way and Heart of America United Way
(which includes Northland United Way Services) merged to form the United Way of Greater Kansas City. Through a collaborative effort with diverse partners that include government agencies, businesses, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the United Way works to address the needs and issues of our community.

Prior to his appointment, Stewart successfully led the United Way of Columbia–Willamette in Portland, Oregon. As their President/CEO, Stewart worked to establish and build relationships with multiple community partners. He brings more than 23 years with the United Way, which includes positions in Everett, Washington and Battle Creek, Michigan.

Ingram’s had the opportunity to speak with Brent Stewart just prior to his move to Kansas City.

 

What will be your first priority when you begin work on April 1?

In the past few months United Way has been engaged in conducting surveys to get a sense of what the community wants. I plan to get to know the residents and business folks in the community, and their thoughts on the role they hope we will take. Because I’m a “people person” I like to go beyond — I’m hoping to make contact with the board members, corporate and agency leaders, donors, staff and volunteers in a more intimate way, and hear from them first hand.

What are some of the immediate challenges you face in your new position?
Based on the fact that this merger of United Way is relatively new, it will be important to make sure that it operates as a unified group. It’s really about making sure that there is stability moving forward, and that we work to form a cohesive organization. Another challenge I see is to work towards establishing this United Way as a community impact model. This model is about being able to measure results and report them back to the community. In addition, this model calls for United Way to become more than just a fund-raising organization. And as it moves towards these changes, there is sometimes a need to fund grants, services and programs in a different way.

How do you hope to accomplish these things?
How we establish the new model will be a bit of a challenge. It will still be based on needs and priorities, but more of an open request for the proposal process as opposed to being based strictly on historic relationships, although important. The agencies have been doing great work, but the way in which we will measure this work will most likely change in the future.

What do you like most about your job at United Way?
No matter how challenging the day is, or the difficulties we’ve faced, I always end my day feeling really good
about what I did to give back to somebody. I have been given the opportunity to make an impact through the position I currently hold. I also get a chance to work with and learn from a variety of very accomplished leaders from all sectors. In a very real way, I am the eternal student.