Donor Experience Team

Sharon Horinka ‘11, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor

As Associate Director, Sharon plays a pivotal role in shaping UNC Charlotte’s fundraising landscape with over 15 years of experience in Annual Giving. She spearheads innovative initiatives that nurture a culture of philanthropy, leveraging data-driven insights to oversee the Donor Experience Officer program. A proud 49er alumna (Class of 2011), Sharon’s unwavering love for her alma mater is evident in her drive towards meaningful change at UNC Charlotte.

Katie McMurray, Leadership Gift Officer

Katie McMurray is a passionate member of the UNC Charlotte community, where she thrives in her role as a Donor Experience Officer. In her role, she supports Alumni of the College of Humanities and Earth and Social Sciences, the Cato College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, the Atkins Library, and the Levine Scholars Program.

Initially drawn to Charlotte by its appealing weather, Katie first landed a position at Davidson, but after visiting UNC Charlotte and meeting the people, she knew this was where she truly wanted to be. “It was no contest,” she says, crediting the welcoming and tight-knit community for making her feel at home from day one. Her favorite part of working here is, without a doubt, the people—Katie and her husband, Brad Yeckley, who also works on campus, feel like they’ve joined a family.

Outside of the office, Katie enjoys exploring Charlotte’s diverse restaurant and coffee shop scene, as well as reading and traveling with her husband and their rescue pup, Glinny.A fun fact about Katie? She competed for the title of Miss Ohio (America) while in college, earning over $12,000 in scholarships. Reflecting on her pageant days, she humorously adds that the swimsuit competition was well worth it!

As she looks toward the future of UNC Charlotte, Katie is excited about the university’s growth, especially its increasing integration with the City of Charlotte. With the University climbing the ranks (#81 in US News and World Report) and on the cusp of becoming an R1 research institution, Katie is eager to witness its continued rise.

Katie is also deeply committed to promoting the power of philanthropy at UNC Charlotte. She believes giving is both inspirational and aspirational. With nearly 40% of 49er students being first-generation college students, she’s passionate about showing donors how their support creates a lasting impact on students and inspires them to give back in the future.

Imani Brown, Donor Experience Officer

Imani Brown is a dedicated Donor Experience Officer at UNC Charlotte, where she focuses on building meaningful connections with alumni and donors connected to the Belk College of Business, the College of Arts + Architecture, the Graduate School, and the Honors Program.

Originally from Washington DC, she was drawn to Charlotte’s vibrant growth, culture, and opportunities, and found her professional home at UNC Charlotte, which she believes embodies those same qualities. Imani loves the collaborative and supportive environment of her team, which makes her work all the more rewarding.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time (and long walks!) with her husky, Summer, and teaching students and adults piano performance, holding a degree in music from Salem College, Class of 2019. As she looks to the future, Imani is excited about UNC Charlotte’s rise as a leader in research, recognizing its importance to both the university and the greater Charlotte region. 

“Support can take many forms—whether it’s through time, expertise, or donations, every contribution helps us achieve our goals at UNC Charlotte. Consider me your guide to ensure your support has the greatest impact, long walks optional!”

Kobe Brown ‘23, Donor Experience Officer

Kobe Brown is a proud Charlotte alumnus and a dedicated Donor Experience Officer, representing the Lee College of Engineering, Klein College of Science, College of Computing and Informatics, and Student Affairs. 

Kobe’s journey with UNC Charlotte began when he fell in love with both the city and the campus atmosphere. As a former Charlotte 49ers student-athlete, he wanted a university where he could thrive academically and enjoy a well-rounded experience outside of sports. What truly sealed the deal for Kobe was the strong sense of community—a quality that inspired him to pursue a career in higher education at his alma mater.

In his current role, Kobe finds the most fulfillment in the relationships he builds. He is grateful to be part of an amazing, supportive team and loves connecting with current students and alumni. Listening to their stories and helping them find ways to stay connected to the university is what drives him every day.

Outside of work, Kobe is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys working out and playing basketball. He’s also a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the lookout for new restaurants to try—so feel free to send him any recommendations!

Looking toward the future, Kobe is excited about the innovative changes on the horizon for UNC Charlotte. Having seen the campus evolve over the past 20 years, he’s eager to witness its continued progress and growth. He believes that the university’s success is fueled by the support of the entire community, and that when alumni, students, and donors come together, they create a powerful force that propels UNC Charlotte to new heights.