United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) has named Preston Hollow resident Kit Sawers, former CEO of Fay+Sawers Productions, as the organization’s new Chief Development Officer. With an impressive resume highlighted by key roles at the 2014 NCAA Final Four, the Grand Opening of Klyde Warren Park and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, Sawers brings unparalleled fundraising, volunteer engagement, programmatic support and event experience to the post. Additionally, her staff of seven professionals will also join United Way as the new Business Development Strategies Team, effective April 1st.
“We have a bold and exciting vision for the future of UWMD and its positive impact on our community,” says Jennifer Sampson, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas CEO and President, who also resides in Preston Hollow. “For over two years, we’ve had the great fortune to work with Kit and her team on our record-breaking 90th anniversary volunteer events and the Unite Forever Gala. Kit is a bold thinker and will be a valuable addition to our senior leadership team,” Sampson continues. “I have no doubt her experience, expertise and passion will drive new relationship and revenue growth and her leadership will accelerate UWMD’s ability to meet the changing requirements and expectations of our current investors and volunteers.”
The talent acquisition follows the public launch of the Unite Forever endowment campaign at the February 6th gala. The United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas announced a bold goal of raising $100 million to provide secure funding for the future of the region.
“United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is in the midst of unprecedented community collaboration, making measurable progress in addressing education, health and well-being and the financial stability of North Texans,” says Sawers. “We have seen the way this organization works, the passion its leaders have for changing the future of Dallas, and we are excited and eager to join in United Way’s mission.”
In addition to her work on United Way’s 90th anniversary celebrations, Fay + Sawers served as a key component of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. The company was responsible for the grand opening of Klyde Warren Park, raising over $850,000 and producing the multi-day event for more than 40,000 attendees. Her team’s work also included the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational and events surrounding the College Football Playoff National Championship.
“Kit outworks everybody around her and has impeccable character. I trust and respect her, as does everyone who works with her,” says Troy Aikman, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board member and Unite Forever Gala Co-Chair. “This is the perfect partnership- and a big win for our community.”
Prior to starting Fay + Sawers in 2011, Sawers served alongside Bill Lively as the VP of Special Events for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. Prior to the Super Bowl Host Committee, she spent four years as Executive Director of the Bickel & Brewer Foundation and ten years at SMU, heading up the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture series and SMU Athletic Forum.
“Kit is a tremendous talent and a phenomenal person, capable of significantly accelerating revenue growth and creating world-class volunteer engagement opportunities,” says Bill Lively, serving on United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas’ Board. “I applaud United Way for its unique culture of embracing change, always evolving and committed to our community’s best.”