2023 40 Under 40: Caitlin Golike

Caitlin Golike nurtures relationships with one of Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ biggest assets – its donors.

“I provide the customer service that makes the donors feel like they are a part of something special,” she says. “I meet with them to talk about their charitable goals. I provide ideas on how to use their grant dollars, and I make sure the experience is smooth and easy for them.”

She directs a department of five people, and together they host educational events to provide insight into current community needs and work with more than 450 donor-advised funds. Since starting at the organization in 2017, Golike, 32, has worked to increase charitable spending among these funds to $14.5 million per year from $6.4 million. Meanwhile, assets in donor-advised funds have increased to $79 million in 458 funds from $57 million in 321 funds.

Your first job? Passed out cold towels at a golf course in Lake Ozark. Weird job, but I was able to golf for free!

Your proudest moment? Selling my paintings to Scotch & Soda Bentonville. It was my first big art sale, and I still get a thrill seeing my paintings of scotch bottles hanging up there.

Your most treasured possession? Signed copy of my favorite book, “American Gods,” by Neil Gaiman.

Favorite podcast? My podcast interests are truly all over the place. Top three include My Favorite Murder, I Saw What You Did and Maintenance Phase.