#178 | How Maddie Myers Connects Business, Community, and Culture in the Queen City

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Maddie Myers, Senior Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC for the Western Carolinas. Maddie shares how her career evolved from nonprofit fundraising into corporate philanthropy and community investment. She explains what makes an organization ready to receive funding, why relationships matter, and why nonprofits should never create programs simply to match a funder’s priorities. Kyle and Maddie also discuss mission drift, early childhood education, community collaboration, listening as a leadership skill, and how small operational details can shape meaningful impact. Maddie also opens up about her husband’s cancer diagnosis, how that experience changed her perspective, and why leaders should never underestimate what someone else may be carrying. Key Topics What makes a nonprofit ready to receive funding Building relationships and listening to funder priorities Avoiding mission drift and remaining focused Early childhood education and community collaboration Finding strength and perspective during difficult seasons Episode History 00:00 — Introduction and meeting Maddie Myers 02:30 — Maddie’s journey into nonprofit and community work 04:15 — Moving from fundraising to corporate funding 05:00 — What makes a nonprofit ready for investment 07:00 — Mission drift, relationships, and saying no to money 09:00 — Listening as a leadership and fundraising skill 14:15 — Early childhood education and community impact 32:00 — Maddie’s slingshot moment and finding your rock Maddie's Bio Maddie Myers is Senior Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC for the Western Carolinas. Her work brings together corporate leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, early childhood education, arts and culture, and community engagement. Before moving into corporate community relations, Maddie began her career in the nonprofit sector, including work with the Livestrong Foundation. Her experience on both the fundraising and funding sides gives her a valuable perspective on what makes partnerships effective, what funders look for, and how organizations can remain focused on their mission while building long-term relationships. Maddie also serves on nonprofit boards and committees and is deeply involved in efforts supporting early childhood education, literacy, and community development throughout Charlotte and the Western Carolinas. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King