New executive director leads from the heart
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Kurt Kaczor
After several months of having an interim director serving the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, Kurt Kaczor has been appointed the new executive director of the organization. “I am very pleased to join this organization that has such a rich history of community support,” said Kaczor. “The Task Force certainly has a positive impact on the many people it serves.”
Kaczor has more than twenty years of experience in management, fundraising, marketing and public relations, development, and strategic planning in human services organizations. Most recently he served as development director at Family Star in Denver, and was responsible for financial development and community relations. Prior to that position, Kaczor was the chief development officer at Family Tree in Wheatridge, Colorado where his numerous responsibilities included grants administration, planned gifts, public relations and marketing, volunteer services, and special events.
Improving the lives of people facing economic and other challenges has always been a part of Kaczor’s life. “My life and career have always been in not-for-profit agencies,” stated Kaczor. “I have run the gamut – from volunteering as a young man before college at a thrift store, to working on annual fundraising campaigns – this is what I choose to do.”
“The continuing challenge in nonprofits is the need for services and the lack of resources,” reaffirmed Kaczor. Working closely with the entire team at the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, he plans to develop strategies to help the organization to continue to grow. He also will research opportunities to acquire more resources. “I am so impressed with this organization and the surrounding community. The mission statement says it all – to help people in distress with dignity,” he emphasized.
Kaczor earned his master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado. In his spare time Kaczor enjoys the beautiful Colorado outdoors. “I like to bike, hike, run and cross-country ski,” he said. “I have called Colorado home for many years. Currently I live in Denver, but am planning to relocate to Castle Rock. It is a great area to explore.”
