Welcoming Our New Development Director: Q&A with Katie Irvin

CASA’s critical work to protect and advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect depends on a strong network of passionate supporters. We’re thrilled to announce a new team member dedicated to helping us nurture and expand this network of support within Douglas County: Development Director Katie Irvin! 

This staff position is essential to raising the necessary funds to deepen our impact in the community. Katie will spearhead efforts to create and implement strategies that ensure sustainability and growth for CASA. Through this work, she will focus on developing meaningful relationships with individual donors and businesses, energizing them about our mission.

“I’m excited Katie is joining us given her prior experience working for nonprofits in our field that she has helped grow both through donations and engagement,” says Erick Vaughn, Executive Director. “Her clear dedication to building relationships with people from all walks of life makes her a natural fit for CASA.”

In this interview, Katie shares what led her to CASA, how her personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent inspired her to join us in this work, and what she hopes to accomplish. 

What was your path to becoming Douglas County CASA's Development Director?

Right out of high school I had various jobs working with kids. In 2019, I moved to Topeka and worked at DCCCA as part of their Traffic Safety program on car seat safety. Then my wife and I moved to Tonganoxie, and an energetic 9-year-old boy was placed in our home. I realized how much I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector directly helping children and families. I began working for a domestic violence shelter in Leavenworth County as a Grants Manager, then became the organization’s Executive Director. When I saw the Development Director position open at Douglas County CASA, I knew it would be a good fit for my passion and my family.

‍What inspires you about working with families and young people in need?

I have always had a passion to work with children and do what I can to make their futures bright. So far, I have adopted two little boys and seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that goes along with the Kansas court system and adoptions. Knowing and seeing there is such a need to help children and families inspires me to the best that I can to help them succeed.
What excites you most about the prospect of meeting new people and developing relationships in Lawrence and Douglas County communities?

Every community has its own unique qualities. I’m excited to learn and meet the different individuals and groups that make up Douglas County. I have never worked in a college town of this size before and I’m excited to see what hidden gems are here just waiting to be discovered.  

What are your hopes for engaging the community in support of CASA's mission?

There is a large number of children waiting for a CASA volunteer. My hope is to engage the Douglas County community in a conversation about how donors have a huge impact on our sustainability to serve our current children and families, and to reach those still in need. I also hope to educate more diverse communities about our mission, and let people from different walks of life know all the ways they can support the population CASA serves.