The Whitewater Community Foundation board of directors have hired Kat Mawhinney as the organization’s part-time executive director, effective August 2026. A seasoned banking and financial services professional, Mawhinney brings more than three decades of financial and community experience in Whitewater to her role.
“Kat brings a passion for the community, strong organizational skills and a deep financial background to the table,” said Therese Kennedy, current president of the board. “While we will miss her as a board member, we are immeasurably grateful that she is willing to contribute her talents and considerable business and community experience to the organization.”
Geoff Hale, a longtime board member and owner of Home Lumber in Whitewater, said, “Congratulations to Kat Mawhinney, becoming the first executive director of the Whitewater Community Foundation in its 30-year history. This much-needed role will be consequential in taking WCF to the next level. Kat’s strong, longstanding connections to our community and its populace and her desire to make a difference make this a true win for the foundation and for Whitewater.”
Over her many years with First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater, Mawhinney worked closely with the federal Community Reinvestment Act — a law that ensures banks support the credit and service needs of the communities they serve. She helped guide the bank’s efforts to better serve local residents, including expanding access to financial services for low‑income community members.
“I’ve spent my career building relationships in this community, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Mawhinney.
“Whitewater has always been an important part of my life — my hometown, my community, and the place that shaped who I am. As I step into this role, I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay connected and support the ideas and efforts that will guide us into the future.”
After a 37‑year career helping grow local businesses and guiding families through the home‑mortgage process in the greater Whitewater area, Mawhinney retired as vice president – loan officer at First Citizens State Bank in January 2026.
She joined the WCF board of directors in 2022 and served as co-president, along with Therese Kennedy, from 2024 until she resigned in August 2026 to accept the role of executive director.
Mawhinney continues to make her home in rural Whitewater, living with her husband on their family farm in Johnstown Township. She cherishes the time spent with their children and grandchild, celebrating milestones and staying closely connected. Those moments, she says, keep her grounded and inspire her to remain involved in the community she’s always called home.
For questions, contact Kat Mawhinney, director, Whitewater Community Foundation, at info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org or 262-458-4088.
About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures” through scholarships and community action grants. To donate and support the continuation of the Whitewater Banner, simply send a check made out to Whitewater Community Foundation to P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or donate online at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by hitting the “Donate” button on top of the contact page. For tax purposes, the Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Corporation.
