STAFF & BOARD

MEET OUR TEAM

1

HEIDI GULLICKSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HEIDI'S WHY

Through the food insecurity taskforce and the quarterly meetings and the other communication we can see the bigger picture. We’re not working on short-term help; we’re working on long-term solutions. The community informs and leads the solutions.

Heidi Gullickson, Executive Director

Stepping into her role on April 1st, 2014, Heidi Gullickson has taken Brookings Area United Way to new heights. As a Brookings native, Heidi fell in love with her community. Staying close to home for higher education, she graduated from South Dakota State University in 1995 with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology and minors in Consumer Affairs and Economics. After her marriage to her husband, Jeff Gullickson, they moved to Indiana and lived there from 1995 to 2007, but the South Dakota plains soon called them back. Developing a deep understanding of nonprofit management through her leadership as the Executive Director at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention Bureau, partnered with her ever-evolving knowledge of the county's needs, Heidi saw her next fit with United Way. Crediting her success to those who came before her, she is extremely grateful for the past directors and board members who worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the organization. Heidi has been instrumental in transforming United Way into an impactful organization that facilitates connections throughout the county to craft innovative solutions to Brooking's County's social and economic issues. Under her leadership, United Way has launched a 5-year action plan-Impact 2023: focusing on the most critical issues of our communities to fight for the health, education, and self-sufficiency of every individual.

Ready to take on any challenge and be involved in all areas of the community, Heidi is also a Brookings Chamber Ambassador, welcoming new businesses to the community; a Board of Regent of Institute of Organization Management since 2015, and a committee member for Communities of Excellence. She has graduated from top community programs such as Leadership Brookings and stays involved in multiple organizations including the Brookings County Crisis Intervention Team.

Heidi is happy to call Brookings home with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Kayla and Carson. Following in their parents' footsteps, both Kayla and Carson are SDSU Jackrabbits. Through her deep roots in the community, Heidi's resolve to build a better tomorrow for Brookings County only strengthens each day.

Heidi Gullickson Bio
3

RANDY GRIMSLEY

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

RANDY'S WHY

I believe every person can do something to impact another in a positive way. The ripple effects of making a positive difference for another can be long lasting and far reaching. Who wouldn't want to be part of that?

Randy Grimsley, Development Director

A Brookings native, Randy graduated from South Dakota State University with a BS in Communication Studies. Following graduation, he moved to Chicago "to see what else is out there." He landed a job as a media planner at an advertising agency, which led to becoming a media buyer and then account executive working with clients to put their best foot forward. He eventually acted as Sponsorship Director for Chicago Public Broadcasting before "I realized how great my hometown really is" and returned to Brookings. Subsequently he worked in education, marketing, fundraising, served on the school board, and has continued to support all the good things the town has to offer.

At Brookings Area United Way, Randy takes on the role of Development Director. He acts as touchpoint between funded partners and the agency, while working to build relationships within the community. He helps the agency take on the growing needs of the community, assisting in fundraising and sponsorship needs to further help United Way programming as well as other funded partners.

Randy believes that every person can do something to impact another in a positive way, and is glad to help make that happen in a community he loves. The ripple effects of a positive change for a person or family can be long lasting and far reaching. It can impact their neighbors, community, region, and beyond. As he says "Who wouldn't want to be part of that?"
Randy Grimsley Bio
2

DUNCAN SCHWARTZ

COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATOR

DUNCAN'S WHY

I believe it is not enough to stand idly by and wait for the world to change, we have a responsibility to make other's lives better. The only way up and the only way forward is through an outstretched hand and the words "I see you".

Duncan Schwartz, Community Care Coordinator

Raised in Redfield, Duncan has been accustomed to life on the smaller side. The only real "upgrade" being his time in Brookings, attending SDSU for Sociology with a focus on Human Services. That is, until he found an opportunity with the Colorado branch Volunteers of America. He moved to Fort Collins, working with VoA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families program and later as a Resource Navigator with Homeward Alliance, helping to change the lives of the 100+ daily visitors to their Murphy Center day shelter.
 
There was always something missing, something just not-quite-right about where he was. Brookings had some charm that just couldn't be replaced. After gaining some irreplaceable experience, he knew it was time to return. Determined to make an impact on a community he has felt so comfortable in since day one. He's extremely excited to begin working with clients and has already working with the Senior Boxes program.
 
He can't help but admit it's spending time with his Brookings friends: making music, watching movies, or cooking up a storm that makes him feel at home. Sometimes it really is good to go where everybody knows your name.
Duncan Schwartz Bio
7

AUNNA CLOOS

COMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATOR

AUNNA'S WHY

I believe that relationships are one of the most important things we can have, and I want to make sure those around me have a friend and a smiling face to come to. It’s not always easy navigating life, and I want to help anyone I can to make it easier. This position allows me to connect with those who may be struggling and offer them a hand and a smile.

Aunna Cloos, Community Impact Coordinator

Aunna graduated from Northern State University in May 2024 with a double major in business administration and graphic design. She moved to Brookings right after graduation and started her position at United Way. With a heart for people and having interned with United Way of Northeastern South Dakota (located in Aberdeen) for a summer, she has found a special spot with Brookings Area United Way. Aunna’s love for nonprofits stems from her deep values of relationships, generosity, and thankfulness. Through these values she is able to build those relationships and assist those in need.

Since being with United Way, Aunna has been able to use her graphic design background to assist with all things marketing, while also forming relationships through her role as volunteer coordinator with Volunteer United, as well as getting to know all of United Way’s funded partners more intentionally.

When not working she can be found experimenting with sourdough recipes, reading a book, or going for walks at the Dakota Nature Park. She is adventure oriented and makes the small everyday things, like getting groceries, seem like an exciting new task. She is excited to be apart of the Brookings community and be able to call it home.

Aunna Cloos Bio
6

HANNAH VOGEL

COMMUNITY IMPACT INTERN

HANNAH'S WHY

To me, the most important component of making a difference is loving the person in front of you. Where a need is present, there should be hearts ready to help. United Way's mission inspired me because a majority of their work is focused on helping individuals right in the Brookings community. As I intern for them this summer, I hope to show love and assistance to my coworkers, community members, and anyone who walks through the door!

Hannah Vogel, Community Impact Intern

Hannah Vogel is one of the Community Impact Interns at Brookings Area United Way for the summer. She grew up in Madison, South Dakota, and is a recent graduate from South Dakota State University. While at SDSU, Hannah majored in Communication Studies with minors in Human Resources and Psychology. Hannah has a passion for helping others and specifically loves having intentional conversations with anyone and everyone. She aims to be an empathetic listener and motivator to whoever she encounters. 
 
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys playing piano, taking walks outside, leading a bible study, and spending time with loved ones. After an impactful summer at United Way, she plans to stay in the Brookings community and continue to do work helping others and making a difference in the nonprofit world.
Hannah Vogel Bio
4

KASANDRA PAPPAS

COMMUNITY IMPACT INTERN

KASANDRA'S WHY

I chose to work at Brookings Area United Way to help learn about my community and play an active role in facilitating change. I have a passion for helping and advocating for others. There is always something that we can do to help others and I’ll always look for those opportunities.

KaSandra Pappas, Community Impact Intern

KaSandra is a community impact intern for the summer. She grew up in Groton, SD, and is going into her last year at SDSU this fall majoring in political science and minoring in philosophy, legal studies, and sustainability. While her coursework is focused more on the legal side of things, she has a true passion for helping people, which is what led her to Brookings Area United Way. Here she has been able to see the impact that a single person can have on others and even the community as a whole. 
 
Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies, cooking, being outside, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her dog, Denzel. After this summer, she plans on finishing her degree and going law school. She is excited to learn all she can this summer, and to bring her knowledge with her everywhere she goes. 
KaSandra Pappas Bio
5

NANA YAA DWOMOH

EARLY LEARNERS INITIATIVE INTERN

NANA YAA'S WHY

I have always had a passion for helping others which is what attracted me to United Way. I have seen how impactful United Way programs, such as the Brookings Backpack Project, has been for the community. I look forward to giving back to, especially in the areas of education, to the community I grew up in.

Nana Yaa, Early Learner Intern

Nana Yaa, born in Ghana and raised in Brookings since elementary school is excited to be stepping into her role at United Way as a rising sophomore at Harvard University. In her spare time, she loves reading, singing, engaging in public service projects, and visiting her motherland, Ghana.
 
Her career aspirations lie at the intersection of law, business, and nonprofit sectors, which brought her to United Way this summer. Here, she is interning to help Brookings United Way launch their Early Learners program, aimed at enriching the lives of young children and their families in our community. She is involved in the strategic planning process, crafting frameworks, and developing a roadmap to ensure the program's effectiveness and impact. She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the community she calls home and looks forward to a fulfilling summer at United Way.
Nana Yaa Bio

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tevis Holzer

TEVIS HOLZER

Banner Associates
President

TEVIS HOLZER

I’m inspired by the countless volunteers and organizations throughout the Brookings area community and their passion to serve others and bring attention to community needs that others may not know exist.

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DAWN MUNSON

Falcon Plastics
President-Elect

DAWN MUNSON

The United Way provides so much to so many in the Brookings area and being able to be the part of that is very important to me. I want to be a part of something that improves the life of others and helps ensure everyone has a good quality of life.

Dan Svobodny

DAN SVOBODNY

3M
Past President

DAN SVOBODNY

You can feel good about the gifts that you contribute and be confident that the United Way is bringing forth those gifts to local agencies that need them, which in turn brings positive outcomes to the Brookings community.

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LAURA GERJETS

Brookings School District
Secretary

LAURA GERJETS

Laura is proud to serve on a board that collaborates with the entire community.  The Brookings Area United Way serves several missions in our community and she loves seeing programs thrive through joint force efforts.  Laura is excited to see what is in store for the Brookings community through the United Way.

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BRITTANY KREUL

First Bank & Trust
Treasurer

BRITTANY KREUL

The reason that I joined the United Way Board was because of the importance United Way plays in our community. They assist multiple agencies, a lot that are smaller and benefit tremendously from the fundraising connections made through United Way. This allows staff to not have to worry so much about how they are going to get money to provide those services. I’m excited because day one I could see how passionate each of the members is to the continued success of this nonprofit.

ASHLEY

ASHLEY BIGGAR

Swiftel Center

ASHLEY BIGGAR

The synergy and impact to the community derived by the efforts of the United Way and partners is profoundly extraordinary. As one with a serving others heart, this truly is such an honor to come alongside others for the mission of the United Way for a better tomorrow for everyone.

dave biteler

DAVE BITELER

Brookings Sheriff's Department

DAVE BITELER

During my career in Law Enforcement, I have seen the many ways that organizations come together to help those in need. I had no idea the number of organizations that get help from the donations made by the community. It gives me pride to know where these donations go and the help that they gives those in need.

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ARIAN BUNDE

Children's Museum of South Dakota

ARIAN BUNDE

I am excited to learn more about the variety of services to help serve unmet needs and improve our community.

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SPENCER DEGEN

Daktronics

SPENCER DEGEN

I’ve learned so much about the need in the community and the good that BAUW does since joining the board in 2019. I encourage you to become a donor to help maximize the impact we can collectively make in the community.

michael

MICHAEL DRAKE

City of Brookings Police Department

MICHAEL DRAKE

I want to help the community that I am invested in to be better.

stephanie

STEPHANIE HALE

Larson Manufacturing

STEPHANIE HALE

Volunteering and helping others is very important to me. The United Way is an incredible way to do that, and I'm looking forward to helping my community and making Brookings a better place for all.

Janssen, Larry

LARRY JANSSEN

Retired South Dakota State University Professor

LARRY JANSSEN

Now that I am retired, I am excited to be able to give my time & talents back to the community.

Mike Lockrem

MIKE LOCKREM

South Dakota State University

MIKE LOCKREM

Brookings has been a wonderful place for my family to live for almost 15 years and being part of United Way is an opportunity to give back to a community that has been so supportive. The impact the United Way has on the community and the families that call Brookings home is transformative and gives people opportunities to grow and advance. It is an honor to serve on the board.

sarah nelson board

SARAH NELSON

ID8 Architecture

SARAH NELSON

It was an honor to be approached with the opportunity to help an organization that is helping meet some deep needs in our community. I look forward to contributing to this effort!

robert

ROBERT ROACH

Valero Renewables

ROBERT ROACH

I have seen the impact that the BAUW and their partner organizations have had on the community. I knew my donations always helped, but I also realize it takes more to help these organizations effectively serve the residents of the Brookings area. 

Karen Weber

KAREN WEBER

Brooking Health System

KAREN WEBER

I work closely with many of the local agencies that receive funding from the United Way and experience firsthand the benefits of their generosity.  It’s important to give back and support such a valuable organization

CONTACT US

  • ADDRESS

    908 Hope Drive
    Brookings, SD 57006

    Mail to: P.O. Box 750, Brookings

  • PHONE

    (605) 692-4979

  • EMAIL

    uw@brookingsunitedway.org

EIN: 23-7151498

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