Member Spotlight: Kim Willis

We’re introducing a new series on our blog called Member Spotlight. Each month, we’ll sit down with an AWC Austin member to get up close and personal. First up is Kim Willis, who is the communications manager at Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and the owner of KWillis Design.

Shout-out to Samantha Furry, the contributing author behind this series.

AWC AUSTIN: How long have you been a member of AWC Austin?
KW: Two and a half years.

AWC AUSTIN: What do you use your membership for?
KW: Networking.

AWC AUSTIN: What roles have you served, if any, on AWC?
KW: Last year, I served as Registration Co-Chair with Emily Babb for Banner Brunch.

AWC AUSTIN: What insights did you gain from the experience in regard to how AWC functions and succeeds?
KW: I learned the back-end of many AWC processes. I also benefited from working closely with members like Julie Tereshchuk, who was the Chair of Banner Brunch (now AWC Austin President-Elect). Working closely with such a great group was a nice benefit.

AWC AUSTIN: What was your career path and how did you get there?
KW: I spent a couple years at ACC (Austin Community College) and transferred to Texas State where I graduated with a bachelor of arts in Mass Communication and a minor in Business. My senior year I took a design layout class, which I loved. I spent my last semester as a special events intern at the Seton Fund, and when a position opened up in the marketing department, I applied, got the job and continued working there for three years. I joined the Food Bank team in 2008.

AWC AUSTIN: What do you enjoy most about your job?
KW: I love the people I work with! It’s fast paced; I enjoy the hustle and bustle.

AWC AUSTIN: The positions you have held and currently hold all deal with necessities (medical care, food, etc.). Do you feel communication and marketing strategies in those industries vary from strategies utilized in more discretionary industries, such as high-end retail?
KW: Yes and no. While working at Seton, I coordinated the marketing efforts for Sweet Charity Gifts, a stand-alone hospital gift shop. While our strategy was sales driven, we had a philanthropic mission – helping patients in need. Non-profit organizations are turning away from the old “charity” model, and beginning to operate like a business, or in this case, a “high-end retail store.” The marketing strategies are beginning to cross over; the lines are getting blurred and it’s a good thing.

AWC AUSTIN: As a photographer and graphic designer, and owner of KWillis Design, do you think an understanding of digital design and photography is important when working in communications?
KW: It depends. I think a basic understanding of photography and digital design is important. I don’t think everyone in the communications field needs to be an expert in every niche. If you need high-quality photos or something digitally designed, you call the expert.

AWC AUSTIN: What communications trends do you see for the future?
KW: More social media. I don’t know where the online world will go next, but it’s an interesting component of communications. It’s free, easy and people are always online.

AWC AUSTIN: What is your favorite thing about living and working in Austin?
KW: The people, the opportunities for entrepreneurs and the lake.

AWC AUSTIN: Do you have a favorite lunch spot?
KW: Santa Rita or Torchy’s Tacos. They are equally addictive.

Connect with Kim!
Twitter | LinkedIn