LOCAL KOMEN CHAPTER HEAD FOCUSES ON MISSION
Kate Watt began her new job as executive director for Susan G. Komen South Florida in West Palm Beach the week Hurricane Irma hit in September.
But now, under clearer skies, Watt is focused on the organization’s mission. In particular, she said, the goal of reducing breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026.
And part of that objective is to make sure the organization’s donors know their dollars are making a difference.
“Donors want to touch and feel the work you are doing. They want to see the metrics of your programs. They want to understand where their dollars are going,” Watt said. “I appreciate this level of interest, and it excites me that donors are more engaged and interested in the work we do to improve people’s lives in our community.”
Prior to joining the Komen South Florida affiliate, she served as chief development officer for the Urban League of Palm Beach County.
Age :37
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida
Family: Husband, Andrew Watt; children: Ethan, 13; Reese, 8; and Ainsley, 2
About your company: I am very excited about my new role as executive director for Susan G. Komen South Florida, where I lead a dynamic staff and volunteer leadership committed to a bold goal of reducing breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026. I oversee the organization’s efforts to raise funds and invest grant dollars to better the lives of those living with breast cancer in our community through education and access to care. Through events like the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure, the South Florida affiliate has invested $16.2 million in community breast health programs in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the affiliate stays in the South Florida area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research.
First paying job and what you learned from it: I was a special events assistant for Books-a-Million as a teenager. This gave me incredible experience in event management and logistics. I planned everything from in-store events with authors to children’s birthday parties. I had great hours and was the envy of many in the store ... until they saw me dress up as a pirate or princess for a birthday party to entertain crowds of preschoolers. I learned there, and it has stuck with me today, to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
First break in the business: My first big break was when I served as the program assistant for the National Alliance for Youth Sports youth development department. As a child, I went through the Hook a Kid on Golf program during its pilot year and mentioned this fact in my interview. This not only helped me to get the job but it connected me to program coordinators across the country. From there, I quickly moved up from a program coordinator. In my final years with the organization, I was helping to run the national program.
How your business has changed: I believe the way in which we engage and connect with donors and their level of interest in how their donation is being invested has changed greatly since I first started in the social sector. Donors want to touch and feel the work you are doing. They want to see the metrics of your programs. They want to understand where their dollars are going. I appreciate this level of interest and it excites me that donors are more engaged and interested in the work we do to improve people’s lives in our community. Even more exciting is the engagement we can do through social media. Now more than ever before we are able to show donors, and the community, what we are doing, who we are helping and so much more.
Best business book you ever read: “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John C. Maxwell.
Best piece of business advice you ever received: Never accept no. When someone tells you no, it may just mean no for right now. If you take the time to create and nurture a relationship, that no may eventually turn to a yes.
What you tell young people about
your business: I tell young people that they if they have the opportunity, they should spend some of the early time in their career in nonprofits. Nonprofits offer a vast opportunity to gain exposure to different business sectors and provide numerous opportunities to learn. As a young professional, I was able to experience roles in project management, public relations, marketing and fiscal management, all because I worked for a small nonprofit that didn’t have enough hands. They were willing to give me a chance and I was willing to absorb everything while I was there. It provided me the chance to try new things and develop professionally. I may not have found those same opportunities to learn and grow in the corporate sector.
What do you see ahead for Palm Beach County? I see growth and that growth
‘As we continue to see growth, we are seeing a greater need for services from nonprofit agencies.’
On county’s future
means more people will need services and support from our sector. I grew up in Palm Beach County, and our county population continues to expand because of the unique opportunities offered here. As we continue to see growth, we are seeing a greater need for services from nonprofit agencies. This requires us to work smarter and more efficiently, sometimes with less resources and more demands. The growth is exciting though. It means people are taking notice of what we are doing here.
Power lunch spot: The Regional Kitchen & Public House in West Palm Beach. Where else can you go to run into so many amazing community members and leaders and enjoy pimento cheese at the same time?
Where we’d find you when you’re not at the office: When I am not at the office you will most likely find me volunteering with Junior League of the Palm Beaches, shuttling my kids in my minivan from activity to activity or learning more about our community through Leadership Palm Beach County.
Favorite smartphone app: Rent the Runway, a must for a busy person during season.
What is the most important trait you look for when hiring? A connection to the mission. When you feel passionately about something, it shows. It makes your job enjoyable and excites you. If you have passion, you will succeed.
Kate Watt