Viorel balances financial expertise, community impact at Douglass Community Services

HANNIBAL, Mo. — When Kara Viorel, chief financial officer (CFO) at Douglass Community Services, drives by the organization’s nearly completed new building, she feels a sense of pride in her work.

In a press release, Viorel said, “Every day over the last year or so, when I drive by and see that building and its growth, I get excited to step into the office and think, ‘This is what we’re about. How can we continue to grow and find new ways to work with the community?’”

As CFO, Viorel provides financial oversight and management, guiding program leaders in budgeting while ensuring financial accountability for the organization. But her role extends beyond numbers. Viorel, who brings a blend of financial expertise and community-focused experience to her role, understands that behind every figure are the faces of people relying on Douglass’s programs as a lifeline.

Viorel is a Hannibal native. She attended college in the Chicago area, but her hometown remained in her heart. Returning to Hannibal in the early 2000s, Viorel, took a job at AG Edwards.

“During that time, finance was my world and I loved it,” she explained. “But being involved in the community is a part of who I am, and I wanted to get deeper.”

Viorel embraced a community-focused role when she took a position at the Hannibal YMCA, one of her favorite places growing up on various sports teams, including the swim team. During her 15 years at the YMCA, Viorel shifted her focus from financial management to leading fundraising efforts and overseeing the organization’s scholarship programs, further deepening her commitment to serving the community.

“What I loved most about my time at the YMCA was the direct connection I got to have with the people in our community. Working on the fundraising and scholarship programs allowed me to see firsthand how our efforts could make a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.

She also dove into the service area, accommodating community and private events, when she and her husband, AJ Viorel, opened the Rialto Banquet Hall in downtown Hannibal in 2018.

Like many others, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Viorel began evaluating her career. Continuing to run the Rialto, she spent two years working in insurance but a job opening at Douglass sparked her interest.

“When the job at Douglas came up, I realized giving back to the community is really where my heart strings fall,” Viorel said. “I wanted to be involved with another organization that makes a real impact on the Hannibal community — and with Douglass also in surrounding counties.”

Through Douglass, Viorel has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the community. Despite Douglass’s unwavering efforts, the demand often surpasses the resources.

“Our housing assistance program brings in a significant amount of money, but it’s gone so quickly,” Viorel explained. “I watch our program director meet with individuals, and by a certain point each month, the funds are already spent. The hardest part is telling people that, for now, there’s no more funding available and they’ll have to wait until the next month.”

Just like her own job, which often provides background support, Viorel admires how Douglass Community Services lets its many programs working under the Douglass umbrella shine in their efforts.

Some programs are not always known by the community as part of Douglass. One is Toys for Tots, a partnership between Douglass and the Marine Corps Foundation, which provides Christmas gifts for more than 1,300 children around northeast Missouri.

“We don’t seek the spotlight much. I really feel like our work happens behind the scenes, helping so many different people in various ways. No two days are ever the same here because of the many roles we take on and the variety of programs we manage,” Viorel said.

Working at Douglass has added another layer of experience to Viorel’s nonprofit and financial experience. She also continues seeking the human connections that make her job worthwhile.

“I look out the window and then watch people walk in the front door, and it’s our staff who are taking those questions and fielding them to the right place,” she said. “I want to make sure and be available to listen to them if they need it and be a hand reaching out. I always want to make some this kind of connection with them, because that is important to me.”