Lisa Reese Parish

Executive Director, United Way of the Kearney Area

Won’t stop believin’

When she’s not connecting donors to their favorite cause at Kearney Public Schools, Lisa Reese Parish is connecting with the dance floor when she hears her favorite song, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Sounds like her personal theme song… or she is a big fan of  ‘80s band “Journey.” Or maybe because she’s just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world… and husband Donald is a city boy, born and raised in Detroit. Lisa and her husband Donald are parents to Evan, 19, and Aidan, 14. Lisa recently took over as director of the KPS Foundation after nine years leading the United Way of the Kearney Area. Lisa has also served as president and board member of Kearney Noon Rotary and Buffalo County Community Partners.

Dancing experience: Maybe some advantage here to Lisa… she took ballroom dance lessons… 24 years ago.

Favorite dance memories: “Air Force formals.”

Favorite dance partner: “The Donald!”

Why did you decide to participate in KDWTS: “I ask people to work on fund-raisers all the time and sometimes they are uncomfortable. I should probably live my own advice… stretching the comfort zone.”

Personal goal for KDWTS: “Ensure a successful fund-raiser for the causes I care about.”