Meet new team member Paul Tomkins

After a few months on the job, Paul Tomkins, the newly appointed vice president of finance at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, sat down to talk about his role and how it supports the Community Foundation’s mission.

 Paul, welcome to the Quad Cities Community Foundation! Can you tell us a little about your background?   

I was born in Silvis and live in Moline now. I’ve worked in public accounting for more than five years as an auditor, and my specialties were construction and nonprofit accounting. The more I worked with nonprofits, the more I realized that’s where my interest was, especially working directly with those clients to help them improve their accounting function. I enjoyed getting to know each organization, the people involved, and how they support their mission.

 What was it about the opportunity at the Community Foundation that excited you?

I knew about the Community Foundation because of its great reputation in the region, and I had seen the name come up in relation to the nonprofit work I was doing previously. I also had the opportunity to volunteer on the scholarship committee this year. The experience introduced me to more people at the Community Foundation, and it became clear how deeply they care about their work and the community they serve. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a team like that?

 How have the first few months been?

It has exceeded my expectations. Just as much as this organization is community focused, it’s also employee focused. The Community Foundation supports its staff in all kinds of ways, like training and staff recognition. They also work hard to cultivate a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the organization and around the region. When we’re supported and engaged, it means we can do that much more good in the community.

 It makes a real difference when the people you work with are passionate about their jobs, willing to help you and driven to make our community a better place.

 You are the vice president of finance. Can you give an overview of what you do in that position? Maybe the simplified version!

I keep an eye on the money coming in and the money going out. Finance is responsible for reporting, usually on a monthly and quarterly basis, but this requires an ongoing understanding of the budget. There is also a lot of forecasting—we’re already discussing the 2024 budget and far beyond in terms of planning. The data we collect and organize is used by the Community Foundation board to make decisions and develop for the future.

 That must keep you busy. What has stood out to you about the work so far?

We maintain over 1,000 funds that are supporting work in the community. It seems like I learn about a new one every day! It’s been amazing to see the amazing generosity in our region firsthand.