This week For Momentum hits the pavement with its Take 5 blog series featuring Nichole Krieger, Executive Director at The NASCAR Foundation. We are thrilled to bring you Nichole’s answers to five questions that will give you insight into The NASCAR Foundation, the cause community and Nichole.
Congratulations to Nichole who was just appointed Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation in May! She has been with the organization for almost 5 years and most recently served as Senior Director of Development & Marketing. Prior to that, Nichole worked at Paralyzed Veterans of America for 17 years, where her last position was Senior Director of Corporate and Direct Marketing. Let’s Take 5 with Nichole!
Look into your crystal ball…what’s the next big thing in corporate philanthropy trends? Corporations better aligning their cause support with the mission of their business; and extending this idea through not just financial support, but employee workforce volunteer support. I believe as more of the millennial generation enters the workforce they will drive a desire to contribute by volunteering with their talents as much as, if not more than, also contribute with their financial treasure.
What’s the most amazing thing people should know about you or your job? If I didn’t have my dream job of being the Executive Director for The NASCAR Foundation, I would pursue my dream job as a backup singer to either Sting or Dolly Parton. (Good thing the first came true because I can’t really carry a tune – even in a bucket!)
What do you wish people knew about The NASCAR Foundation? That the Foundation not only grants out money to other organizations but we also fundraise, administer and produce two programmatic efforts of our own. This is done through the works of the Speediatrics Children’s Fund, where we work to enhance the medical care of children in our racing communities. We also have the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award where we honor race fans who are doing tremendous work through volunteering for children’s causes in their community.
What person has had the most influence on your cause career? A former boss and mentor who plucked a wide-eyed, naïve girl (that’s me) from a career as a meeting planner and entrenched her in the world of non-profit fundraising without any fundraising experience whatsoever. When I asked her why did she take a chance on me, she said, “You’re smart, you’ll learn.”
If you could wave your magic wand what would your wish be for The NASCAR Foundation? Unlimited funding resources in order to provide help to kids in every racing community.
Five Fun Facts About Nichole:
- Favorite App: Starbucks app
- Currently Reading: Anne of Green Gables
- Hobby: Beach, Reading, Riding my bike
- Favorite Place to Unwind: On my balcony overlooking the beach
- Guilty Pleasure: My husband’s homemade oatmeal, chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies – Yum!
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