Get to know…Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation

Describe your role at United Way.

I’ve spent many years in digital marketing, but my role at United Way of the Plains is truly special. Here, I get to showcase the impact we make as a cornerstone of this community. My work focuses on creating photo and video content, managing paid digital advertising, and analyzing social media performance to maximize our reach and engagement.

Share your career history and how you made your way to United Way.

I’ve built a split career; one path has taken me down the road my family has always known, and the other is my own adventure.

I’m a fifth-generation farmer. The ground I live on and manage has been in my family for over 100 years. I grew up on tractors and hard work. Today, I manage a small cattle operation for my parents. It isn’t easy work. I’ve worked through high heat warnings harvesting hay and record breaking cold tending livestock.

My media journey began as a part-time photojournalist at KAKE-TV while attending Wichita State. After graduating, I became a reporter/MMJ, later transitioning into digital marketing, where I combined my storytelling skills with impactful campaigns. I’ve since focused on nonprofit work, likely influenced by my farming roots. If the work is hard, make sure you enjoy doing it.

What have been some of your favorite projects over the past three years?

I’ve had a front seat to witness all the work the team at United Way of the Plains has done and continues to do. There have been more projects than I can count; Read to Succeed, Free Tax Filing Services, Toys for Tots, disaster recovery efforts, book distributions and resource fairs to name a few. The direct impacts are astounding. I work for an organization that connects people to the resources they need to achieve a higher quality of life.

I get to engage with community leaders, decision makers and everyday members of our community. I’ve found a common thread: there is almost always a resource available for a need.

A great example is the time I had at a Toys for Tots distribution. Someone came through the distribution line and was so happy to have a toy for their child. Our conversation took a quick turn to more pressing needs. This person was concerned because their rent was going up and they didn’t know how they could afford food and other basic needs on top of increased housing costs. I took a moment to talk with them about 211 and how resource navigators could help them isolate areas to save money by leveraging resources.

I’ve always had a knack for getting someone to give an interview and collect soundbites that are genuine and motivating. At United Way of the Plains, I don’t simply ask questions to get an answer but can take next steps to help someone find stability where it is lacking.

What are your interests or pastimes? 

I love music and have been playing the piano for as long as I can remember. I’m not particularly great, but I enjoy it. On the flip side, I also have a thing for chainsaws—most weekends are spent clearing cedar trees from pasture ground on the farm. And in case anyone’s wondering, yes, I can still play the piano, and no, I haven’t lost a finger to the chainsaw. Knock on wood.

I also have a special affinity for the weather. It’s cliché to be a weather nerd in Kansas, but here I am—with a bachelor’s degree in weather forecasting. Growing up on a farm, I spent plenty of time either wishing for rain or wishing it would stop. Whether it was windows rattling from a lightning strike or roads buried under a blizzard, I learned to appreciate the things you can’t control—but can plan for.

To top it off, I became a licensed drone operator several years ago. I love the challenge of capturing landscapes from the sky and using aerial imagery to enhance professional projects.

If you would like, please share a little bit about your family.

I’m currently a dog dad of a beagle that has learned that after enough tries; anything can be shredded. Pillows, clothing, important documents. There seems to be special attention placed on shoelaces that I’ve yet to appreciate.

Several years ago, I took on the role of caregiver for my parents. Like many who have been in this position, I’ve faced unexpected challenges. Thankfully, the supportive work environment at United Way of the Plains has made balancing those challenges a little easier.

Describe an event or interview that’s really stood out to you since starting at United Way.

I was about a month on the job when a devastating tornado hit Sedgwick and Butler counties in the spring of 2022. The storm developed after hours yet the entire team at United Way mobilized immediately. I was able to leverage my video production skills and understanding of social media to quickly communicate with those affected while scouting information for our 211 database to stay up-to-date with information about shelters and resources. There was a sense of urgency in the weeks that followed the disaster and significant needs that lasted years. I was able to see from start to finish how a nonprofit like United Way of the Plains provides lasting impact.

What is the number one reason you love working at United Way?

The impact we create individually and collectively.  I’ve had the opportunity to share countless stories about the good we do. It’s inspiring. Continuing that and looking at ways to make that impact greater is going to be a fun and rewarding journey. On top of that, the work environment is supportive and friendly. All my team members support each other in their roles. We also take moments to have fun, bond and grow personally and professionally.