ABOUT YOUR UNITED WAY
Our Services
OUR STORY
Our United Way was born out of a desire to build structure into something that comes naturally to our interior friends and neighbors, showing up and taking care of one another.
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Individuals in our Interior Alaska community benefit from nonprofit organizations. Whether they focus on vital human and social services, educate and protect our youth, enrich our lives through arts or opportunity, serve wellness needs, or offer the hand up that is needed from time to time, our nonprofits are here serving our community.
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And WE are here to serve our nonprofits, ensuring they have the resources they need to feel supported so they can focus on their vital missions.
MEET THE TEAM
Kayla Smith
Executive Director
Kayla Smith serves as the Executive Director of United Way of the Tanana Valley, where she is honored to help carry forward a mission that strengthens and connects the community she deeply values. A proud community member and active Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Fairbanks, Kayla has long been committed to service, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships across Interior Alaska.
Having previously served on the United Way of the Tanana Valley Board of Directors, Kayla developed a strong appreciation for the organization’s impact and the vital role it plays in supporting local nonprofits. That experience, combined with her passion for community engagement, inspired her to step into the Executive Director role and continue advancing the mission in a greater capacity.
Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart City, is a place Kayla is proud to call home. She is continually inspired by the generosity, resilience, and connectedness of the community. In her role, Kayla is grateful for the opportunity to serve, to amplify the work of partner agencies, and to help mobilize the caring power of the community for the benefit of all.
Lindsey Pickard
Accounts Manager
Lindsey Pickard serves as the Accounts Manager for United Way, where she is proud to support the work that strengthens and uplifts her community. Lindsey has called Alaska home for the past 10 years, after relocating with her husband during his military service. What began as a new assignment quickly became a place to put down roots where they're family grew. They are proud to be raising their family in the community they now call home.
Fairbanks is known as the Golden Heart City for its warmth, resilience, and strong sense of community—qualities that deeply resonate with Lindsey. Inspired by the kindness and support her family experienced upon arriving, she felt a strong desire to give back in a meaningful way.
In her role at United Way, Lindsey is driven by a commitment to serve the community that has given so much to her family. She is passionate about supporting efforts that ensure individuals and families have access to the resources they need to thrive. Through her work, she strives to contribute to a stronger, more connected Fairbanks for generations to come.
Chad Franklin
Office Manager
Chad Franklin serves as the Office Manager for United Way of the Tanana Valley. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Chad spent time living in Oklahoma, Florida, and Washington before returning home to the Interior. He and his wife have have two children, a son-in-law serving in the military, and one grandchild.
Chad brings a diverse background in marketing, public affairs, digital media, construction, and community outreach. Throughout his career, he has worked with local businesses, nonprofits, military partners, and community organizations. Outside of United Way, Chad runs a digital media business specializing in web development, graphic design, and content creation, and produces music under the artist name ChaFra.
Deeply rooted in Fairbanks, Chad is passionate about strengthening community connections and giving back to the place he has always called home.