Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Mackay
Hi Nikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved around quite a bit as a child. My dad flew helicopters for the Atlanta police department, later transitioning to become a pilot for Life Flight. That led us to live in Pennsylvania, Iowa and Tennessee, before landing in Utah during my teenage years. I have remained in Utah ever since and feel very fortunate to live here. I attended Westminster College (now University) studying psychology. I married my high school sweetheart and together we have 2 children, age 16 and 20 and have enjoyed raising our children in Draper, Utah. I have worked for Utah Foster Care since it’s inception in 1999 and feel extremely fortunate to be a part of such a special organization. Eight years ago, my husband and I, along with our business partners, opened The Cliff Dining Pub in Draper and five years ago we opened Cultivate Craft Kitchen. That has definitely added a layer of excitement to our lives. We feel privileged to be a part of so many peoples stories, as often times it is life’s celebrations and tragedies that call for gathering around a table together with our loved ones.
Fun fact- I have run 12 marathons with family and friends, most of them in St. George. While I miss the camaraderie, I don’t miss the sore muscles.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working for Utah Foster Care has allowed me to navigate the challenge of being a working mother. When my children were young, I was able to work part time and the flexibility I was given allowed me to continue working and find a good balance (most days). I have taken that experience and as the CEO, I look for ways to provide that same flexibility to the team at UFC. Many of our staff are foster/adoptive parents and with that comes an even bigger need for flexibility.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have had the desire to connect with others from an early age and have always had a tender heart and desire to help others.. This lead me to study psychology while attending Westminster College and obtain an internship with the Division of Child and Family Services. The child welfare system in Utah was undergoing a massive overhaul during that time and I was hired as a foster care caseworker upon graduation. I continued in that job for 4 years, learning many valuable lessons, meeting some amazing families, and witnessing individuals changing their lives in order to be reunified with their children.
In 1999, Governor Mike Leavitt and the Utah legislature created Utah Foster Care Foundation (UFC) as a bold new initiative to experiment with privatizing a piece of the child welfare system in Utah. UFC was created to find, educate and support foster families throughout the State of Utah. I began my career with UFC in 1999 helping to recruit families. I spent over 20 years as the Director of Foster Family Retention, moving from there to work as the Development Director and most recently becoming the CEO just over a year ago.
I feel honored and privileged to work in a space that is filled with so many amazing people and so many life changing moments. The work we do is sacred and with that comes beauty and sadness and vulnerability in ways many people never get the opportunity to witness.
It has been interesting and exciting over the last few years to watch both of my professional worlds come together. One especially fun opportunity is the Sunday Supper events hosted by Entrata. Some amazing athletes from the University of Utah football team meet up a few times a year at Culitvate, and with the support of our head chef, Trevor Kingery, they prepare Sunday Supper for 140 foster family members. Entrata provides the setting and while dinner is served, foster families from around the valley have the opportunity to build community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Utah Foster Care is blessed to work with many amazing community partners and this has allowed me to cross paths with some of Utah’s most talented and generous people. I have learned a lot from them, both professionally and personally, and consider myself very fortunate to be able to reach out for advice and guidance when needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://utahfostercare.org
- Instagram: @nikki__mackay
