Rogers Announced As New United Way Director

McKensie Rogers has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Seward County United Way, according to Ryan Valencia, president of the local United Way board. Until Rogers can start in her new position on May 18, Kay Burtzloff will continue to serve as the executive director.

“McKensie comes to us as a recent Strategic Communications graduate from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. As a strategic communications student, McKensie completed several internships within the nonprofit sector,” Valencia said.

Rogers is a Panhandle native from Perryton, Texas and graduated from Perryton High School. Following high school graduation, she received the McKnight Leadership scholarship at OSU and spent the last four years pursuing her degree. During her time at OSU she said she found her passion for community work while working for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

“McKensie was planning to move to Liberal after her college graduation since she is planning to marry Liberal native Konner Hood,” Valencia said. “We’re excited that she has accepted the position since she seems to have a true commitment to nonprofit work.”

“I am thrilled to become an official part of the Liberal community. I hope to assist in the growth and success of our Seward County United Way,” Rogers said.

After serving as the Seward County United Way Executive Director since Jan. 15, 2001, Burtzloff announced that she would be stepping down after the first of the year, as soon as a new United Way director could be found. Plans are to have Burtzloff work with Rogers for several weeks as part of the transition.

The Seward County United Way has a long history in the Liberal community since it was founded in 1961 and currently supports 25 local agencies.