About Finney County United Way

Our Mission

To focus our community and resources to make the greatest difference in meeting identified human needs in Finney County.

Our Community Impact Statement

Through partnerships in the community, Finney County United Way will identify human needs and find partners who show measurable outcomes that meet those needs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Since 1946, Finney County United Way, Inc (FCUW) has taken the broadest possible view of diversity and continues to make every effort to assure that the FCUW Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers represent the diversity of the community by actively soliciting and recruiting board members, staff, and volunteers that reflect this diversity.

FCUW is opposed to all forms of racism and discrimination and strives to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of its daily work. FCUW commits to using these practices to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Finney County.

Meet the Staff

Executive Director

Deborah (Deb) Oyler

Deb has held the position of Executive Director at Finney County United Way since December 2017, bringing with her over 30 years of extensive experience in non-profit management. Her expertise lies in various areas such as budget development and implementation, fundraising for both operational and capital initiatives, active participation in meetings at national, state, and local levels, effective management of board relationships, advocacy with local, state, and national authorities, as well as strategic planning and execution.

Previously, Deb served as the Executive Director of High Plains Public Radio, where she successfully managed the day-to-day operations of a public radio station spanning four states. Before her tenure in public broadcasting, she focused on education, specializing in deaf/blind education.

Her educational background includes a B.S. from The University of North Dakota, along with credentials in deaf/blind education from Northern Illinois University and the Helen Keller National Center.

Beyond her professional roles, Deb is deeply involved in her community, serving on several boards including the Southwest Development Services Inc Foundation Board and the Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce Board. She also represents the Southwest region on the Kansas Balance of State Continuum of Care. Notably, she served as a Garden City Commissioner from 2020 to 2024, assuming the role of Mayor in 2023. Additionally, Deb has contributed her expertise to the Downtown Vision Board, Garden City Recreation Commission, and the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council. In 2024, Deb received the Distinguished Elected Offical Award from the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association.

Deb resides in Garden City, KS, with her husband, Rex. Together, they have a blended family consisting of five daughters, three sons, one grandson, six granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

Bookkeeper

Caroline Gallegos

Caroline started at Finney County United Way in 2016.

Previously, Caroline worked for USD 457 until her retirement.

Campaign Assistant

Ann Knoll

Ann is a former board president and board member for FCUW. In 2022, she joined the staff as a part-time Campaign Assistant.

Previously, Ann was a teacher at Wiley Elementary. She enjoys spending time with her son and daughter and her grandchildren.

Board of Directors

Cole Billinger, President Security State Bank	Brandon Mumgaard, Vice President Dream First Bank	Jonathan Lightner, Treasurer Commerce Bank
Trent Specht, Secretary Iron Insurance Partners	Jim Akins First United Methodist Church	Walker Frey Western State Bank
Melissa Gallegos Finney County CVB	Beau Guadian USD 457	Ticia Herd City of Garden City- Parks & Recreation
Jared Kuhlmann City of Garden City, Finance	Sarah McEnaney Dairy Farmers of America	Chandon Moreno Shelter Insurance
Pat Sanders Retired