Lifetime Achievement Award
By Renarda A. Williams | Photography by Rett Peek | Hair by Haydon Howard with Face Your Day Salon | Makeup by Cassie Oaks with Face Your Day Salon
When Kathi Jones retired last spring from her position as president of the CARTI Foundation, the foundation had concluded a successful $11 million dollar capital campaign in support of the statewide CARTI Cancer Center.
Kathi’s tenure at CARTI was the highlight of her three decades in development for several organizations in Central Arkansas. Prior to joining CARTI in 2006, Kathi worked with two Arkansas behavioral healthcare organizations – Centers for Youth & Families and Youth Home. In addition, she created an Arkansas advisory board and strategic programming while at Winrock International and served as executive director of the ARC of Arkansas. At the CARTI Foundation, Kathi and her team secured critical funding for patient services, programs and equipment at CARTI.
Her civic leadership includes a 20-year membership in the Rotary Club of Little Rock and service on the Quapaw Quarter Association Board of Directors. Kathi joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 1992 and fulfilled several roles, including president. She was named the organization’s “Outstanding Fundraising Executive” in 2000.
Kathi was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University. She began her career in political organizing and fundraising – working around the country on a presidential campaign followed by five years as executive director of the Florida Democratic Party.
As she reflects on her career, she notes, “Working with our CARTI volunteer campaign cabinet and the CARTI Foundation staff to achieve our goal was a wonderful experience. It was so gratifying when donors recognized the importance of this project and made special gifts toward its fruition. Watching patients experience and receive treatment, in this wonderful new center, was amazing. It made me realize how, through fundraising, we are truly helping people.”
