Kim Lanphear: Transforming Nonprofits Through Technology and Passion

Making the transition from a corporate setting to driving community change is challenging, but Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo, took on the challenge and pursued her passion for helping others. A nonprofit organization, Apparo connects other nonprofits with technology professionals and resources. Kim began her journey at Apparo as a Program Manager, but her drive and determination led her to eventually become the CEO. Under her leadership, the organization partners annually with 200+ companies engaged in corporate philanthropy and delivering sustainable results, helping to drive meaningful social change in communities.

Early Career in Marketing and Strategy

With over two decades of experience in marketing and strategy, Kim received an MBA and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration before starting her career as Director of Marketing with a regional financial institution. Kim’s experience in various roles, including managing domestic and international financial products with Citibank and running a professional theater in Chicago, helped her develop a keen understanding of the importance of aligning marketing with strategy and community partnerships.

Driven by her passion for bridging the gap between marketing and community needs, Kim has dedicated her career to creating partnerships that sustain community engagement. With a wealth of experience in strategy development, international business, marketing, fundraising, P&L management, board governance, and leadership, she has made significant contributions to many communities. Kim’s efforts to engage community cultural and educational institutions, create successful marketing campaigns, and revamp a struggling theater are just a few examples of her commitment to making a positive impact. Her work began the theater’s transformation into a thriving regional center, now ranked as the third-largest professional theater in Chicago.

From the Corporate World to Nonprofits

Kim joined Apparo when the organization was a decade old, bringing about a change to its model through her targeted marketing and networking efforts. She came across Apparo as she was exploring ideas for starting her own consulting firm. Beginning as a Part-time Program Manager,  demonstrating skills and integrity. Three years later, she was asked to become the CEO of Apparo

Apparo is a one-of-a-kind organization that helps nonprofits improve their services by connecting them to necessary technology and business resources. The organization operates through a partnership-based approach, collaborating with volunteers and facilitating the process to meet the exact needs of each nonprofit. With this method, Apparo brings the required skills and knowledge to help its partners achieve their goals. 

Apparo leads projects such as application selection, technology planning, business process roadmaps, security assessments, and data analytics. These larger-scale projects take anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks to complete, with one to two hours of commitment per week. Kim has created a professional team that is leveraging partnerships and skilled volunteers to build a thriving community, enabled by technology.

Kim believes that technology and passion can change the world and encourages corporate employees to support causes like Apparo’s by using their skills as volunteers. Not only does this benefit the community, but it also results in personal growth and professional development for the volunteers, as Apparo surveys show that 80% of volunteers feel more committed to their company and 90% feel that their skills have improved as a result of their volunteer work.

 By using the skills of the community, Apparo has been able to turn each dollar donated into more than $3 of value delivered. Recognitions and Awards 

Kim Lanphear has been widely recognized and awarded for her exceptional contributions. Her nonprofit, Apparo, was named one of the top places to work in Charlotte in 2019 and 2021, and in the state of North Carolina in 2022. Kim herself was awarded the Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO award in 2018, and the Mecklenburg Times Most Influential Women Award in 2016. Her work has also been recognized by Scoop Charlotte and South Park Magazine.

Advice for Young Professionals

In offering advice to young individuals, Kim emphasizes the importance of finding a team/company that is passionate about supporting your growth and challenging you in your work. The culture of the company you choose is the single most important part of choosing a job.  The work can be almost anything in the beginning, as long as there is an opportunity for growth, innovation, and mentoring.