Our team

Talia Jackson

Start Date: March 3, 2025

I lead Heart of Missouri United Way in connecting all parts of our organization to fulfill our mission. After 25 years in a corporate setting, I was excited to bring my experience to a role that makes a real difference in the community. What drives me is combining my skills with the opportunity to create lasting impact.

Why I’m passionate: I believe in the power of community to create lasting change. After years in the corporate world, I wanted my work to have a deeper purpose—one that connects people, resources, and opportunities to make life better for everyone. Leading Heart of Missouri United Way allows me to combine my experience with a mission that truly matters.

Outside of work: You’ll find me cheering on my husband Kerrick and the Mizzou Baseball Tigers or watching our sons, Zion and Laz, participate in the myriad of sports in which they are involved. When I’m not at a sporting event, I’m walking our two chocolate labs, Satchel and Gibson, while listening to a murder mystery podcast.

David Holtgraewe

Start Date: April 22, 2002

I guide our annual campaign, creating strategic plans, working with volunteers, and encouraging companies and individuals to join us in creating positive change. I also provide operational support for the organization.

Why I’m passionate: I’m inspired by the dedication of our partner agencies and volunteers. Their passion and expertise make a real difference in countless lives.

Outside of work: I love Miata drives with Penny, working on car projects with Drew, visiting Carmen and Addison in Texas, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on Mizzou sports. 

Amy Harvey

Start Date: June 2021

I oversee the finances and administration for Heart of Missouri United Way. My passion began years ago when I worked for a nonprofit funded by United Way and saw the impact firsthand.

Why I’m passionate: Even behind the scenes, I know my work helps guide financial decisions that strengthen our community.

Outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my husband and son—no matter what we’re doing. 

Courtney Simmons

Start Date: August 25, 2014

I lead our community impact work, collaborating with the Board, colleagues, and volunteers to evaluate funding proposals and align resources for maximum impact. I’m also a founding partner of the Boone Impact Group, a local funder collaboration.

Why I’m passionate: I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and access to basic needs, healthcare, and education—and it’s our duty to fight social injustice.

Outside of work: My husband and I have called Columbia home for 28 years and raised five children. We love visiting family, cheering for the Chiefs, Packers, Tigers, and Badgers, taking long walks, decorating, visiting wineries, and reading crime thrillers. 

Lori Mosteller

Start date: October 2025 

My goal is to make giving to Heart of Missouri United Way more relational than transactional. When you give, you aren’t just a donor, you are a partner in all that we do to bridge the gap between needs and resources in our community. 

Why I’m passionate: The work we do here illustrates the power of a compassionate community. The challenges around us can feel overwhelming, but seeing so many people come together to meet needs and lift the burdens of our neighbors is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a difference. 

Outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my husband and three adult children; traveling to new places; and singing with the best cover band in COMO – The House Band!

Pasha Pukhovski

Start Date: Summer 2022

I maintain and upgrade our CRM system and manage online fundraising efforts.

Why I’m passionate: I understand how valuable the help from our partner agencies is, and I’m proud to support that work.

Outside of work: I love catching up on sleep and watching TV shows.

Aayushi Patel

Start Date: April 22, 2024

I manage pledge and payment entries, reconcile financial records, and support campaign reporting to ensure accuracy and transparency.  In addition, I assist with overall office administration.

Why I’m passionate: Knowing my work supports a mission that creates real community impact motivates me every day.

Outside of work: I enjoy cooking and relaxing with good music. 

Lorraine Gustavis

Start Date: August 1, 2023

I manage programs that connect seniors with volunteer opportunities at local nonprofits, helping them share their skills and talents.

Why I’m passionate: I believe deeply in United Way’s mission and the lives we touch through it.

Outside of work: Faith, family, and friends are my passions.

Krista Myer

Start Date: September 17, 2018

I work with our Chief Community Impact Officer and volunteers to review and evaluate funding proposals from partner organizations and nonprofits. I do nonprofit capacity building through our ASPIRES Project and serve with colleagues in our community to maintain our Boone Indicators Dashboard.

Why I’m passionate: Seeing the positive difference we make in people’s lives and in our community keeps me motivated.

Outside of work: I’m married to Brent, a professor, and I’m a proud pet mom to River, Mango, and Willow. I love true crime, would move to Boston in an east coast minute, and dream of becoming a homicide detective. 

Sunitha Bosecker

Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025

I support Heart of Missouri United Way by bringing clarity, creativity, and coordination to our marketing efforts, ensuring our mission connects meaningfully with the community. After building my career across diverse roles, I’m excited to bring my skills to an organization where communication isn’t just messaging; it’s a way to inspire action and create real change.

Why I’m passionate: I believe strong storytelling can unite people around a shared purpose. Knowing that my work helps highlight resources, strengthen partnerships, and amplify community impact motivates me.

Outside of work: Outside the office, you’ll often find me supporting other community efforts, such as Lunch Buddy for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serving as a board member for Missouri Connections for Health. I also own a small mental health counseling practice in downtown Columbia. When it’s time to unwind, I read nonfiction, watch documentaries, search for the best nachos, and travel the globe.

Megan Pennington

Start Date: January 20, 2026

I lead employee giving campaigns to help raise funds that power our community impact work.

Why I’m passionate: I care deeply about creating a community where everyone can thrive. I admire the United Way’s strategic approach to investing in our community, so the impact of your donation is maximized.

Outside of work: I am a big musical theatre fan and specialize in all things Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. I spend my time as a board member of Silent No Longer TN, a grassroots organization providing resources to victims of sexual assault. You can often find me watching comedy tv at home with my partner, Alex, and our beloved cat, Sheba. I am also working hard to finish my MBA through Northwest Missouri State University.