The two new members of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) Board of Directors bring varied and valuable backgrounds to their new positions, said Kara Jecha, board president.
Mel Waite, Ellinwood, and Mike Cargill, Stafford, recently joined the board, which currently has 11 members.
“All of us at Golden Belt Community Foundation welcome Mel and Mike to our board,” Jecha said. “It is great to have fresh eyes on our programs and new perspectives to consider as we seek to enhance the lives of central Kansans.”
Mel Waite
Mel Waite, Ellinwood, volunteered for the board to support GBCF’s philanthropic mission and to impact communities and individuals in a positive way.
“Golden Belt Community Foundation is an integral part of supporting philanthropic activity in central Kansas,” he explained. “The proper management of resources already has made a significant impact on area residents and their communities.
“I take this responsibility seriously,” Waite added. “I want to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to the Foundation for the benefit of our communities. It is personally satisfying to see others benefit from these efforts.”
Waite’s earlier career was in public administration at the city and county levels. Today, is he manager of Astra Business Solutions, a financial-service company specializing in funding and management of accounts receivables. He has been in this position for two decades.
Waite holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University, “along with a lifetime of experiences.”
His public administration background “provides insight into the struggles of rural communities and the various needs associated with maintaining a good quality of life.
“My current position in financial services provides insight into money management and the importance of seeking stable financial partners who share the Foundation’s vision. The board will continue to innovate and search for ways to enrich the lives of central Kansans.”
Mike Cargill
Mike Cargill brings his business and educational background to the Foundation’s board of directors.
Most of his professional life was spent in management positions in the “zoo world.” This included Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria, Ill., and Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend.
After retiring from the Great Bend position, Cargill returned to college at Fort Hays State University where he earned his teaching degree.
He also graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield with a bachelor’s degree; his majors were chemistry and biology.
“I have been teaching science at Stafford High School for the past 13 years,” Cargill said. “During my zoo-related career I supervised employees, developed short- and long-range goals and developed annual operating budgets.
“This also involved capital-improvement outlay; I operated within those budgets.”
Cargill noted that “rural communities based in agriculture are vitally important and need to be preserved for the future of this country.
“In order to achieve this mission, communities need to build coalitions and form relationships that promote this region to benefit local residents. As a philanthropic organization, Golden Belt Community Foundation plays a vital role in attaining this goal.”
At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.
