Nash Community College Names New Foundation Executive Director
Kari Young from the Pacific Northwest will join Nash Community College as its next Executive Director of the NCC Foundation. This appointment follows the retirement of the Vice President for Advancement, Pam Ballew, on Aug. 30.
“I am a passionate advocate for the nonprofit industry, and I look forward to being able to bring my background of professional experiences to serve the greater good of NCC,” said Young. “My deep personal commitment to making a difference will allow me to provide a service for students that is fueled by compassion, community and connection.”
Young joins NCC from Tacoma, Washington, where she served as the Senior Director of Development at Degrees of Change in her most recent role.
“All of us at NCC are excited to welcome Young to Team Nash. Her background and wealth of experience will successfully lead the Foundation well into the future,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “We are indeed lucky that she and her family chose Nash County as their new home, and that she chose NCC as her new home away from home.”
In various roles, Young has channeled her energy into creating opportunities for underrepresented students. Particularly, her work at Degrees of Change is a reflection of her belief in the power of education and mentorship to transform lives.
“My journey in the nonprofit industry began long before any leadership role,” said Young. “I grew up in a family that was dedicated to helping others. This naturally led me to a career in fundraising.”
She honed her skills in various roles, including as Director of Donor Relations at Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Director of Major and Planned Giving at KNKX (NPR).
Young holds a Non-profit Management Certification from the University of Montana, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Phoenix University.
She was actively involved in her previous community and played key roles in organizations like AFP South Sound and Leave 10 South Sound, where she collaborated with like-minded professionals to strengthen the philanthropic landscape in her region.
Young’s efforts have been recognized through awards such as the 40 Under 40 honor in 2022 and the 2023 AFP South Sound Chamberlin Scholar award.
“The greatest reward comes from seeing the impact of my work on the communities and individuals I serve,” said Young.
She is driven by the same values in her personal life. Her veteran husband and two young children enjoy the outdoors, creating music and art and love sports deeply.
Young replaces Pam Ballew, who was named as the Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation in 2016. Ballew has overseen the growth of the institution’s endowment from five million to 12 million dollars. “She has been a staple as the foundation has continued to grow, and her leadership will be remembered throughout the college’s history,” said Dr. Hunnicutt.
“Ballew leaves behind some very large shoes to fill, but Young is ready for the challenge. I have enjoyed working with Ballew for my five years at NCC, and know that Young will do her legacy proud,”
The Nash Community College Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization that was established in 1983 to increase community awareness, raise funds for the student scholarship program, and to help meet the needs of Nash Community College. These resources ensure that deserving students have the financial capability to take advantage of the quality instruction and higher educational opportunities the College provides. Visit www.nashcc.edu/about/ncc-foundation/.
