We are thrilled to welcome two new members to the United Way of Greater Kansas City Executive Team!
Ann Gaffigan will be joining our team as Chief Operating Officer. Ann has almost 20 years of experience in technology, business, non-profits and sports, including their areas of intersection. Passionate about people and problem-solving, Ann blends her background in entrepreneurship and software development with experience in sports broadcasting and public speaking to offer a dynamic leadership style focused on finding the unique potential in each in person and opportunity. Her approach combines fact-finding, logic and discipline with enthusiasm for dreaming big and discovering new solutions, and celebrating the results. A former collegiate and professional track and field athlete (and the 2004 Olympic Trials Champion and American record holder in the 3000m Steeplechase), Ann now serves on the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Board as well as the board for the Women’s Intersport Network of Kansas City (WIN for KC). Prior to joining United Way of Greater Kansas City, she directed the operations of the Creative Studio and led the Technology team at Dimensional Innovations, and previously was the Chief Technology Officer of a nationwide real estate company, National Land. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband Jason and daughters Jae and Maya.
Rob Persaud will be joining our team as Chief Strategy Officer & Chief of Staff. Rob has been a creative problem solver and business leader for over 20 years, managing brands at Kraft and PepsiCo including Cool Whip, Gatorade, Propel and Quaker…and was the driving force behind Ragu (Pot-Sized) Pasta while at American Italian Pasta Company as VP of Marketing & Innovation. An Ingram’s Magazine 40 Under Forty honoree, Rob includes holding a US Patent for inventing the “portion peeks” design to view & measure dry pasta among his varied Operations and Sales contributions. He earned a full-time MBA in Strategy and Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management and returned to Kansas City 14 years ago, where he lives with his wife, two high school teens and a pandemic puppy. Rob is actively involved in the Blue Valley community, having been a boys’ and girls’ youth sports coach, served as a running guide for the visually impaired at the Kansas City Marathon, and volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Quixotic Foundation. In his free time, Rob is a travel adventurer, sustainable energy advocate, personal finance devotee and avid runner. He also smokes a mean brisket.
We are excited to welcome Ann and Rob to the United Way of Greater Kansas City team!
