STAFF & BOARD

MEET OUR TEAM

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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
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ANNE FUNDERBURG

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

ANNE'S WHY

As someone with lived experience, I have a passion in helping others find the resources they need while surrounding them with dignity & respect.

Anne Funderburg, Administrative Assistant

Anne graduated from South Dakota State University with a major in leadership and management of nonprofit organizations (LMNO). She finds herself in “perfect” landing spot here at United Way after having an internship for a year and being hired on full time in May of 2021. Anne’s passion for nonprofit work stems from her believing every person should have an equitable chance to thrive & find happiness. Through personal experiences, she understands the importance of having community support and resources to make this a reality.

Since working at United Way, Anne has had the chance to work on projects focused on early childhood education like Born Learning Trails, to helping apply for the Community Development Block Grant by going door-to-door doing survey work that will provide a new community center in Brookings. She is a recent graduate of the South Dakota Change Network and Leadership Brookings. She is currently working on getting her Certified Nonprofit Professional credential. 

Although born and raised in Spencer, Iowa – Anne and her husband, Preston, have called Brookings home for the past 4 years. They adopted a cat, Kal-El (with ever-changing nicknames) who is known for his large size (just ask and she will have pictures ready). If she isn’t looking for the next thrill-seeking adventure, like skydiving, you can probably find her at home, with her husband and cat, catching up on new movies, especially Marvel.

Anne Funderburg Bio
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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

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dan Svobodny

DAN SVOBODNY

3M
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.

Tevis Holzer

TEVIS HOLZER

Banner Associates
President-Elect

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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SPENCER DEGEN

Daktronics
Past-President

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.

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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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MICHAEL DRAKE

City of Brookings Police Department

MICHAEL DRAKE

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

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LEWAYNE ERICKSON

Community Member

LEWAYNE ERICKSON

In the 50 years I’ve been in the community, I’ve seen the immense need; once you’re on the board you see the even greater need. People need all of the help you can offer. I’m proud to be able to help by being a donor and serving on the board.

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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.

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DR. ERIN KROGMAN

Brookings Dental Clinic

DR. ERIN KROGMAN

Through being on the board I’ve learned a lot about the community and what the needs are and what work is still needed to be done.

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.

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DAWN MUNSON

Falcon Plastics

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.

Dillon RIngling

DILLON RINGLING

Schade Vineyard & Winery

DILLON RINGLING

The money that is raised in this community stays in this community. United Way takes away the red tape for these small non-profit organizations. United Way makes it easy for them to obtain these donations to thrive and to carry out their purpose to better serve the community. 
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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