Columbia, MO – Heart of Missouri United Way, an organization fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community, has promoted Alaina Leverenz to Chief Communications Officer (CCO).  

As CCO, Alaina will provide strategic direction on communication initiatives throughout the marketing, development, and community impact departments. She is also tasked with building United Way’s internship program. She will focus on recruiting, hiring, and supervising interns in strategic areas of copywriting, graphic design, marketing, social media, and research. Alaina will also oversee contractors in the areas of digital marketing, fundraising, and grant writing. She will work on quarterly projects that address larger community and organizational goals and advance the organization.   

“I look forward to applying my communication skills, experience, and education at a higher level to help advance the important equitable work of Heart of Missouri United Way,” said Alaina. 

Alaina was promoted from Director of Communications and Marketing. In her previous role, Alaina implemented digital and email marketing campaigns, managed social media marketing platforms, and increased brand awareness. 

Before joining United Way, Alaina served as an Instructor in the communication department at the University of Missouri, where she taught business and professional communication. She has worked as the Recruitment and Communications Coordinator for the University of Colorado Denver, the Marketing and Communications Manager for the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and the Marketing Coordinator for the Columbia Daily Tribune. She also worked as a Communications Consultant with nonprofits such as Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and PHACE Syndrome Community. 

Alaina is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication at the University of Missouri. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Communication from Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis. 

United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensures everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive.