Forty Under 40: Jill D. Wagar
by January 1, 2008 12:00 am 161 views
Jill Wagar, 34, finds inspiration in the power of philanthropy.
The Jenks, Okla., native came to Northwest Arkansas because her husband relocated his log cabin business to the area. Before that, Wagar worked for several years in fundraising with a children’s hospital in Oklahoma City.
Since arriving, she has wasted no time in rising to the top of her field. The Association of Fundraising Professionals named Wagar the Outstanding Fundraising Executive for Northwest Arkansas in 2007.
One of her professional goals is to complete a $16 million capital campaign at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Wagar was also part of a team that secured the two largest gifts in the school’s history.
“I really enjoy getting to know more community members here,” she said. “I am continually humbled by the generosity of our community, and look for ways to be able to serve the community.”
Some of those ways of serving the community include membership in the Rogers Noon Rotary Club, a position on the steering committee for Leadership Benton County and as a leader for her daughters’ Girl Scout troop.
Wagar advised other young professionals to set goals in their personal and professional lives.
“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re certain not to get there,” she said.