The Greater Salina Community Foundation today announced several recent staff additions.
Those recently hired by the foundation include the following, as provided by the Greater Salina Community Foundation.
Taylor Urban was hired in June as a new grants and scholarships coordinator. Urban is a Salina native. Prior to joining GSCF in 2021, Urban taught eighth grade English Language Arts at Salina South Middle School for six years. She holds a B.S. in education from Kansas State University and a M.S. in education from Baker University. She also served as a teacher representative on the Salina Education Foundation (SEF) Board of Trustees and as the allocations chair on the SEF Grant Committee. In her new role, Urban assists grant and scholarship applicants, reviews applications and works with the grants and scholarships committees.
Lisa Newman was hired in July as the new director of regional affiliates. Newman is a lifelong Kansan. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Kansas State University. Newman has worked in the nonprofit and education fields for the last twenty years, most recently as the head of youth services at the Salina Public Library and before that as an extension agent for K-State Research and Extension. She has been an active member in the local Altrusa International club for at least ten years - supporting the club's service projects, many of which impact the Salina community. In her new role, Newman serves as the primary liaison between affiliates and GSCF board and staff. She provides education and support to help affiliates build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs.
Cole Graham was hired in August as the new finance director. He is a Salina native who has returned home. Upon graduating from The University of Kansas with a degree in economics, Graham worked at The Mortgage Company, a local Salina business, advancing to chief operating officer. Most recently, he obtained a real estate license and was a realtor with the Keller Williams Integrity office in Lawrence. Graham is very appreciative of this special opportunity to re-connect with the Salina community and the surrounding area. He is excited to work with the GSCF staff and board to continue to provide and monitor solid and safe investments for the GSCF’s assets. In his new role, Graham is looking forward to communicating with donors and prospective donors regarding the investment and spending policies of GSCF.