People You Should Know: Connie Benton Wolfe: Executive Director, Heart of Missouri United Way
Connie Benton Wolfe
Executive Director, Heart of Missouri United Way
Age: I don’t think about age much; I think about experience. And, wow, do I have lots of experience!
Job Description: I have the best job in the world! I get to be the bridge builder within our community, linking needs and resources through partnerships with all sections of the community.
Years in Columbia: I’m still unpacking boxes, so let’s talk weeks-six and counting.
Original Hometown: Exira, Iowa-population 900. I was third generation in a small rural community that shared the philosophy of taking care of our neighbors, along with ourselves. These wonderful people shaped who I am.
Community Involvement: That’s my job-I live it, breathe it and recommend it to everyone who cares about where they live.
Professional Background: I’ve held many leadership roles in the non-profit sector at the local, regional and national levels in the last 20 years. I also have owned a small business and been a management consultant. My career path has been a bit non-traditional but a fascinating journey full of opportunities to make a difference.
A Columbia Business Person I Admire and Why: I’ve only been here six weeks and, already, I have three! One, Gary Forsee, who has brought his extensive experience in the corporate world to the University of Missouri system. I’m a true believer in applying best practices across business, government and non-profit sectors to achieve the richest and most progressive results. Two, Mike Alden, who holds a unique position of leadership in this community and uses his role to inspire all of us to do better. GO TIGERS! And three, Karen Taylor, executive vice president of Boone County National Bank, an Athena Award winner, a corporate and community leader, who harnesses her passion for new ideas into visions for the future. Her role as the catalyst for the United Way Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a fabulous example.
Why I’m passionate about my job: United Way is positioned to bring together all the potential in our community to create positive change. We serve multiple roles in addressing community needs, including convener, leader, partner, funder and resource coordinator. And I get to meet all of the coolest people in the heart of Missouri!
If I weren’t doing this for a living, I would: Be either working to shape national policy or hosting my own show on the Food Network, and, in my dreams, I’m the Barefoot Contessa.
Biggest career obstacle overcome and how: It has to be finding ways to balance career and family, just like every other working woman and many, many men. Having recently been a caregiver for a mom with major medical needs, finding help for family caregivers is a passion of mine.
A favorite recent project: I was part of a steering committee that planned a statewide conference for young and experienced professional women. We expected 150 attendees, ended up with 450-priceless!
What people should know about this profession: Folks used to think of the non-profit sector as the ‘do-gooders’ and didn’t expect much in the way of sound management or business practices. In fact, I think of this industry as part of the economic engine of the area and myself as a social entrepreneur. United Way is a partner to organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Economic Development Industry because we are key to “quality of life” issues, which often determine where a business or individual choose to be located.
What I do for fun: I read a wide variety of books for fun and for education. I also love to entertain friends, family and sometimes strangers! In other words, at my house, all are welcome.
Family: Husband, Jerry; son, Thomas the Teenager; and everyone we have adopted along the way and consider part of our extended family.
Favorite Place in Columbia: The William G. Cocos Director of Athletics Suite at Memorial Stadium on game day! On a more “down-to-earth” note, the Columbia Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning.
Most people don’t know that I: Once got a bill passed by taking cases of Twinkies into a Congressional office to make a point. Ask me; I’ll tell you the whole story!