Amy Cole
Chief Impact Officer
Amy Cole joined TLI after serving as the director of development for the Kansas State University Polytechnic campus, where she oversaw a major campaign and Saint Francis Community Services, where she helped to build the foundation infrastructure. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from Kansas State University, with a major in Public Relations and a minor in French, as well as a Green Belt in Six Sigma. She has many years of business development, project management and process improvement experience, prior to joining the nonprofit world.
She has strong ties to the ag and grain communities, grew up in Gypsum, Kansas and now lives in Salina with her husband and two boys after moving back to the area to raise their children amongst family. Amy is a self-described dreamer, as well as an avid reader, outdoor enthusiast, traveler and foodie.
Q&A
What’s one aspect of your life history that most people don’t know or wouldn’t expect?
I was held at gunpoint in Italy one summer when I was in college. I traveled Europe by myself after nannying in the south of France and stumbled onto the G8 summit en route to Genoa. The gendarmes thought I was a protester. I explained that I was only there for the food and wine.
What TLI perennial crop do you look forward to eating most, and how would you prepare it?
Kernza® bread. Bring on the carbs!
What drew you to work at TLI?
The people. The big dream. The dirt road.
What’s your motto / favorite quote?
“Not all who wander are lost.”
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