SMU Alumna Kit Sawers Named United Way’s Chief Development Officer

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) has named Kit Sawers, former CEO of Fay+Sawers Productions, as the organization’s new chief development officer. With a résumé highlighted by key roles at the 2014 NCAA Final Four, the grand opening of Klyde Warren Park and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, Sawers brings unparalleled fundraising, volunteer engagement, programmatic support and event experience to the post. Her staff will join United Way as the new business development strategies team, effective April 1.

Sawers earned a J.D. from SMU’s Dedman School of Law in 1993. She formerly served as the associate vice president and executive director of lecture programs at SMU. For 10 years she headed the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series and the SMU Athletic Forum.
“We have a bold and exciting vision for the future of UWMD and its positive impact on our community,” says Jennifer Sampson, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas CEO and president. “For over two years, we’ve had the great fortune to work with Kit and her team on our record-breaking 90th anniversary volunteer events and the Unite Forever Gala.
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“Kit is bold thinker and will be a valuable addition to our senior leadership team,” Sampson continues. “I have no doubt her experience, expertise and passion will drive relationship and revenue growth and her leadership will accelerate UWMD’s ability to meet the changing requirements and expectations of our current investors and volunteers.”
Sawers will replace interim chief development officer Mike Gelhausen, who has served in the role since June 2014.
“United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is in the midst of unprecedented community collaboration, making measurable progress in addressing education, health and well-being and the financial stability of North Texans,” says Sawers. “We have seen the way this organization works, the passion its leaders have for changing the future of Dallas, and we are excited and eager to join in United Way’s mission.”
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In addition to her work on United Way’s 90th anniversary celebrations, Fay+Sawers served as a key component of the local organizing committee for the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. The company was responsible for the grand opening of Klyde Warren Park, raising over $850,000 and producing the multiday event for more than 40,000 attendees. Her team’s work also included the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational and events surrounding the College Football Playoff National Championship.
From 2008-2011, Sawers served alongside SMU alumnus Bill Lively ’65 as the vice president of special events for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. Prior to the Super Bowl Host Committee, Sawers spent four years as executive director of the Bickel & Brewer Foundation.