After a decade of service, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas’ (CFSEK) long-time Accounting Manager, Kim Lynch, is retiring at the end of April.
Kim came to the foundation as an Administrative Assistant after being a paraeducator at Lakeside Elementary in Pittsburg. She began taking on accounting responsibilities early in her time with the Foundation, and she has been instrumental in upholding the Foundation’s commitment to financial stewardship. During her decade at the Community Foundation, she has helped oversee the growth of assets from $18 million to over $75 million today.
When asked about her biggest success in her time with the foundation, Kim said: “I’m just proud to have done the job and help continue to build trust in the Foundation and our work!”
“I think I’ll miss the connections with our amazing staff and hearing about the great work happening in our communities,” Kim said. “I have never minded coming into work every day when I feel like I get to help make a difference in our communities!”
Kim is looking forward to more free time and being a full-time grandma to her two young grandchildren in retirement. “My grandkids live in Kansas City, so I look forward to spending more time with them as they grow up!”
“Kim has been an integral part of the Community Foundation for the past decade,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Her dedication and ability to manage our financial operations through years of significant growth have helped us build a high level of trust with all of our donors and partners. We will miss her cheerful attitude and presence in the office, but we wish her all of the best in her retirement.”
When asked about her greatest hopes for the Foundation’s future, Kim said, “I hope we continue to get our name out there and continue to make an impact in our communities. I look forward to seeing how CFSEK can build on 25 years of outstanding service to our region.”
Over the last month, Kim has been training CFSEK’s new Accounting Manager, Kayley Hartman, to take on her role.
“I am extremely confident that Kayley will be a great addition to the team at the Community Foundation. She is very knowledgeable and experienced in accounting and finance, and I know CFSEK is in great hands with her!”
CFSEK is hosting a come-and-go reception to celebrate Kim’s retirement and honor her decade of service with the foundation. On Friday, April 17th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm, there will be light refreshments in the CFSEK office as we celebrate Kim’s incredible service to CFSEK and the communities we get to serve. Please join us!
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.