Mickey Edwards says her decision to return to SOS “really feels like coming home” after leading the United Way of the Flint Hills four years.
Edwards’ time at SOS started in 1996, when she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate for SOS CASA of the Flint Hills. In 1998, she became the local CASA director and served in that role until becoming Kansas CASA Association state director in 2015. Edwards then became United Way of the Flint Hills CEO in 2019.
Edwards becomes the third director in SOS’ nearly 50-year history, following Connie Cahoone — who became director in 2012 — and Susan Moran. Cahoone admits having “tons of worry” as to who would succeed her, but she says Edwards’ experience makes her the right fit for the job.
United Way Board Chair Julie Cooper is glad Edwards is getting a chance to return to SOS, but she also tells KVOE News Edwards has left her mark on the United Way through her work on several major projects and her community service on other boards. This also comes as the United Way is in the first half of its annual fundraising drive to benefit over 20 community partners, SOS included. Cooper says there is a lot of momentum to the drive at this time. She says the board will likely have to step up its work to help campaign drive chair Lynn Cunningham as the effort continues.
With challenges ahead like funding and increased violence recently, Edwards says she’s ready for her new role.
Cooper says the plan for an interim director is being developed and a nationwide search will begin soon for Edwards’ official replacement. Current Community Impact Manager Hannah Crowl served as interim director between Edwards and her predecessor, Jami Reever.
3:45 pm Thursday: Edwards returning to SOS as executive director
SOS is welcoming home a longtime employee to lead it into the future.
The agency announced Mickey Edwards, currently the chief executive officer for the United Way of the Flint Hills, will serve SOS as its executive director come March 2024.
Edwards’ time at SOS started in 1996, when she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate for SOS CASA of the Flint Hills. In 1998, she became the local CASA director and served in that role until becoming Kansas CASA Association state director in 2015. Edwards then became United Way of the Flint Hills CEO in 2019.
Edwards becomes the third director in SOS’ nearly 50-year history, following Connie Cahoone — who became director in 2012 — and Susan Moran.
This comes as the United Way is nearing the midway point of its annual fundraising campaign for its better than 20 community partner agencies, including SOS, in eight counties. United Way Board Chair Julie Cooper says the plan for an interim director is being developed. Current Community Impact Manager Hannah Crowl served as interim director between Edwards and her predecessor, Jami Reever. Cooper also says the board will likely have to step up its work to help campaign drive chair Lynn Cunnningham as the effort continues.
