TAUW LEGENDS: karen keith
The TAUW Legends video series preserves the voices and stories of those who shaped our first century of service. As part of our Centennial celebration, Jesse Boudiette, president of Propeller Consulting and Centennial Committee member, sat down with Karen Keith, who co-chaired the 2021 annual fundraiser with Tim Lyons.
Join us in continuing Karen’s legacy of compassion and community impact. Your gift today in honor of Karen helps write the next chapter of our story, ensuring that future generations will have access to the same life-changing services that have touched so many lives over the past century.
interview highlights
Jesse Boudiette: How did you first get involved with the United Way?
Karen Keith: Well, Tulsa County’s always had a really vibrant program. And so we kind of, every year we did that. And each year one of the County Commissioners would chair it. And so I always loved doing that. And my assistant is all about United Way. And so Sherry was in and on it. And so we just have a really good team there. So it’s a lot of fun. For us, it’s about team building, and I think a lot of community organizations can use it for that when they say, “Why do we need to do this?” I mean, obviously, it matters a great deal to the community, but how do you benefit as a corporation, as a government entity? It’s great for team building, and it’s really worked for us that way.
Jesse: Are there some things that, in your time with United Way, you worked on that you still see having a lasting impact today?
Karen: What is astonishing to me is that during the pandemic, United Way had to pivot, and they were never needed more than during that time. And the leadership through Alison Anthony and her team—it’s incredible what they were able to do to help our community navigate that very difficult time, making sure that services were there for the people who needed them in a way that we’d never delivered them before. I look back on that and I just think, “Wow, this organization can do anything.” I value United Way. I value the impacts it has on our community.
And our corporate partners, I haven’t even addressed them—our corporate partners, they do incredible work. I mean, like QuikTrip—every year, every year, they step up. Williams, every year, they step up. ONE Gas, every year. And without our corporate partners, I’m not sure we do as well as we do by any stretch. And for them, I see their groups come together, and they just have such joy in helping out. It’s amazing to watch. And I love seeing the videos and the photos, especially on Day of Caring when they go out en masse and accomplish a big project every single year.
Jesse: During your time on the board, you helped keep 211 Eastern Oklahoma in the community. Can you speak about the importance of that program?
Karen: 211 Eastern Oklahoma is absolutely vital to our region. And, boy, did Alison Anthony step up and her leadership team to make sure that 211 was still up and functioning when it was needed most. And so, you know, I think, again, that’s where United Way has filled a vital gap, and we all need to say thank you.