United Way of Story County
Sep 17, 2018
Kristin Pates
United Way of Story County

Kristin Pates, campaign director at United Way of Story County, is committed to inspiring people to join the fight for health, education, and financial stability of Story County. In her work with United Way, she is able connect caring people with meaningful ways to fund essential services for the betterment of the community.  She enjoys communicating the vision of United Way in large or small settings to share her enthusiasm for giving, advocating and volunteering.

Since joining the United Way team in February 2009, Kristin has trained hundreds of volunteers on how to convey the mission and vision of the organization and explain the strength of the United Way network. Kristin’s leadership, and that of dedicated volunteers, have helped grow United Way of Story County’s annual campaign by over 40% in eight years. During her term United Way of Story County rebranded to align with national standards, began a young donor affinity group, and expanded its Tocqueville Society by 600%. The successes in the annual drive mean increased fund allocation to help with several priority projects, including grade level reading, summer enrichment and education, homelessness prevention, and access to essential health services.

Prior to United Way Kristin was the executive director of a non-profit arboretum. Her educational background is in communication arts with an emphasis in public relations. Kristin’s volunteering includes serving eight years on the advisory board of Story County Community Foundation to strengthen endowment building in Iowa, as well as multiple terms on both Young Professionals of Ames and Friends of Roosevelt Park boards.