THE UNITING FORCE

Kathleen McDermott

Director of Nonprofit Advisory Services and Business, McKinley Carter Wealth Services

SUPERPOWER: Collaborative spirit

Wheeling native Kathleen McDermott believes in working together. Throughout the years, she has served on many nonprofit and foundation boards, and she shines when she’s bringing individuals who have unique talents and strengths together to create thoroughly effective teams. “I’ve always embraced a team mentality. I enjoy and feel I’ve been successful in uniting these diverse groups, motivating them to tackle challenges and accelerating progress and achievement.”

McDermott’s position now is a unique one: at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, she is director of Nonprofit Advisory Services, a role in which she helps nonprofit clients achieve sustainability so they can be less reliant on endowments and grants. She also works with a large team of advisors to develop their businesses and achieve the growth they desire. “Our approach is client-first. It’s a culture of helping people achieve their goals.”

She credits those she’s worked with over the years with helping her develop her skills and reach her goals. “Everybody has contributed to the knowledge and the skills that I have.” McDermott believes that person-to-person conversations are a gold mine. Through making connections and freely sharing information, she says, everyone involved is able to improve their processes and achieve the outcomes they desire more quickly and effectively.

With 13 years in her role under her belt, McDermott is grateful that she’s still making a difference. “I would like to see the nonprofit advisory division continue to grow, but I’m just really happy doing what I’m doing, and that’s lucky.”

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER 2024 WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN

Learn more about our Wonder Women

Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.