Meet a MICA Member: Megan Reynolds

When Megan Reynolds stepped into her role as Director of Marketing & Communications at United Way of Central Illinois in late 2025, she knew one thing almost immediately: she wanted to join MICA.

Although she was no stranger to nonprofit work, marketing and communications felt like "a whole new language in a country I had lived in for years," she said. Joining MICA connected her with professionals who not only spoke that language fluently but were eager to help her learn.

"I am so thankful I joined when I did," she noted.

One of Megan's favorite member benefits has been MICA's library of recorded programs. During her first winter in the role, she dove into past sessions, describing them as "an entire library of marketing mentors at my fingertips." The ability to learn from experienced communicators on her own schedule helped her build confidence as she transitioned into a new field.

Ask Megan to describe her job in five words, and she'll answer without hesitation: Creative. Connected. Caffeinated. Purposeful. Thriving.

Those words are fitting for someone whose career has been shaped by a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

From an early age, Megan knew she wanted a career focused on helping people. While she didn't have every detail mapped out, she always knew she wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the community she calls home.

Her career began with a Medicaid managed care company, where she coordinated community events and connected clients with valuable resources. The role introduced her to many of the nonprofit organizations serving central Illinois and gave her a front-row seat to the dedication of the professionals working every day to improve people's lives.

Those experiences sparked something.

"The relationships I built showed me how much I loved being on the nonprofit side of the table rather than just adjacent to it," she said.

When the opportunity arose to join a for-profit company that partnered directly with nonprofit organizations as a connector of resources, Megan eagerly accepted. It allowed her to continue building relationships while gaining an even deeper appreciation for the impact nonprofit organizations have on the communities they serve.

Then came another unexpected opportunity.

When Marne Fauser became CEO of United Way of Central Illinois, she recognized the need for a dedicated major gift officer and created a new position focused on donor engagement. Around the same time, Megan had a conversation with someone she served alongside on a community council.

"I have a job I want you to take," the colleague told her. "I don't know what it is exactly, but I think you would be good for it."

Coffee and conversation followed, and Megan accepted a position at United Way of Central Illinois before she even knew what her official title would be.

For three years, she served as Director of Donor Engagement, building meaningful relationships with supporters across the community. Then another opportunity arrived when United Way needed someone to lead its marketing and communications efforts.

"I said yes without knowing exactly what day-to-day would look like," she mentioned. "It has been the most rewarding eight months, and every day I'm grateful I was willing to say yes to the unknown and trust that it would lead me exactly where I was meant to be."

To her benefit, Megan's willingness to embrace new opportunities has not gone unnoticed. In 2026, she was named to the Springfield Business Journal's Forty Under 40, joining a group of emerging leaders recognized for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the central Illinois community. Collectively, that willingness to embrace uncertainty has become something of a theme throughout Megan's career. Rather than waiting until every answer is clear, she's learned to trust opportunities that align with her purpose and the people who believe in her.

Away from work, Megan's life revolves around family. She and her husband are raising their five children, ranging in age from 9 to 19, and much of family life revolves around sports. Since her husband coaches nearly every season, Megan proudly embraces a long list of unofficial titles: team mom, statistician, snack coordinator, personal chef and stain remover.

When they're not on the sidelines, she enjoys tending the family's garden and pumpkin patch, tackling renovation projects on their country farmhouse and making it the forever home they've envisioned together, including building a tiny house on the property for her mom.

Family gatherings are another passion. Megan loves hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays, happily spending days decorating, cooking and preparing meals for more than 35 people.

"I've always known there's a little old Mrs. Claus living inside me," she laughs. "She shows her love through hosting family and keeping them plump with baked goods."

Looking ahead, Megan already has her sights set on a dream trip to Scotland with her sister in 2027, complete with Edinburgh's fall colors, the Isle of Skye, historic castles, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and even a bungee jump at Highland Fling.

Whether she's strengthening relationships through United Way, expanding her skills through MICA, or creating memories around a family dinner table, Megan finds fulfillment in bringing people together. Her journey is a reminder that some of life's best opportunities begin with a simple willingness to say "yes" even before knowing exactly where that path will lead.

Like Megan, every one of our members has a unique story to tell, and it's those stories that make our organization stronger. Stay tuned as we continue introducing the talented professionals, diverse experiences, and inspiring journeys that make MICA such a vibrant community.