Where Are They Now? Life After United Way with Josh Kilgas
At United Way NEXT, we’re proud to spotlight the extraordinary members of our community who continue to lead with purpose long after their time at United Way. In this interview, we’re thrilled to feature Josh Kilgas, a United Way alumni who’s finding new and meaningful ways to inspire others.
Josh’s United Way journey began in 2013 as a Resource Development Officer at United Way Fox Cities (UWFC). Throughout his time at UWFC, he served as a Workforce Engagement Officer, Resource Development Director, and Vice President of Resource Development. For nearly 10 years, he also served as the President of Rainbow Over Wisconsin & currently serves as a Fox Valley Workforce Development Board Member.
After more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, Josh stepped into a new role stating, “Starting Solutions for Changemakers is my greatest accomplishment to date. Carole Peters helped me see how my skills could be valuable across the United Way network and beyond. Building a business that supports nonprofits around the country has been both meaningful and rewarding."
Through Solutions for Changemakers, Josh supports nonprofits across the country. Whether it be in Interim Executive Director roles, executive coaching, or leading strategic and succession planning projects. He continues to work closely with many United Ways, “which remains an important and fulfilling part of my [his] work.”
In this inspiring interview, Josh shares how he continues to lead with purpose, what inspires him in this new chapter, and how United Way NEXT has supported his path forward. Get a glimpse into his journey, his evolving definition of leadership, and the impact he’s making today.
Josh and his husband JD fishing with their dog.
Q&A with Josh Kilgas
What’s been the biggest shift or adjustment you’ve experienced since leaving United Way?
One of the biggest shifts has been learning to run all aspects of a business while also helping clients through challenging situations. It felt like I was building the plane while flying it, but systems came together quickly. The business has grown so much in the last year that I was able to bring my husband JD on full time, which also opened the door to working with organizations in the Habitat International network.
What’s currently bringing you joy and fulfillment right now?
Professionally, I find a lot of joy in the work I do with nonprofits. Helping leaders build clarity, navigate change, and strengthen their organizations is deeply fulfilling. Watching my business grow and seeing the tangible impact it has on mission-driven work keeps me motivated. On a personal level, spending time outdoors helps me find balance and recharge so I can be fully present for my clients and loved ones.
How has your definition of leadership or purpose changed in this NEXT chapter of your life?
My view of leadership has expanded. I used to believe it meant being the person in charge, but now I see the value in guiding from behind the scenes. As a consultant, I get to empower others to lead more effectively, which has brought a strong sense of purpose. I no longer feel the need to be the executive in the room to make a meaningful difference.
In what ways do you continue to stay connected to your community or make an impact?
Beyond my client work, I stay involved in my local community. I serve on nonprofit boards and volunteer on the fundraising committee at the Neenah Animal Shelter, where my husband and I adopted our dog and cats. Supporting organizations that matter personally helps me stay grounded and connected.
Josh Supporting United Way of Dodge County in Wisconsin.
What’s something unexpected or exciting that you’ve pursued in your life after United Way?
I did not expect to stay as connected to United Way as I have. Through United Way NEXT and the National United Way Interim Executive Roundtable, I have access to continued training and strong peer networks that help me stay aligned with best practices. I also recently finished my MPA with an emphasis in nonprofit leadership and management and am now partnering with a local technical college to help design and deliver training for nonprofit professionals in Northeast Wisconsin. My focus has become board governance, and I am on a mission to change what many see as broken. Being able to support education at that level allows me to expand my impact and reach organizations I may never work with directly. I continue to find meaningful ways to integrate education into my work beyond one-on-one client engagements.
In what ways do you think your United Way experience prepared you for this NEXT phase?
United Way gave me experience working across sectors including nonprofits, business, and government. I learned how to navigate systems, build partnerships, and lead with strategy and heart. That foundation continues to shape how I work with clients today.
How has United Way NEXT supported you during this time?
United Way NEXT has been an important source of connection and professional development. The ongoing training and peer learning opportunities help me stay effective in my work. I also appreciate the relationships that have continued through the network, which have supported both my growth and my ability to serve others well.
What advice would you share with someone preparing to step into their NEXT adventure?
Trust what you have learned. Your United Way experience has likely given you more tools than you realize. And if you want to stay involved, United Way NEXT is a great way to keep that sense of connection and impact. Starting something new, especially a business, takes resilience, but if you feel called to serve in a different way, it can be one of the most fulfilling moves you will make.
Headshot of Josh Kilgas.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Shoutout to Josh for sharing their journey and continuing to uplift the United Way spirit in new and inspiring ways!
Whether you’re navigating your own transition or simply curious about your NEXT adventure, we’d love for you to join us at one of our NEXT Chapter Chats. These casual and welcoming conversations are a great place to ask questions, share your story, and connect with others who understand the path you’re on. You can find these quarterly events listed in our monthly newsletters or upcoming events page!
You can also stay in touch with fellow members by joining our UW NEXT LinkedIn group and Facebook group, where members continue to build community and support each other every day 💙
PS. Know of a United Way professional who should be featured? Email Ivy Cirillo to nominate yourself or another UW NEXT member!