Her Story
About Amber
Amber McKinney serves as Executive Director of Cancer Services Network, a nonprofit organization based in Abilene, Texas, dedicated to providing financial, emotional, and practical support to cancer clients and their families across 24 counties in the region. She assumed the executive director position in January 2026, bringing several years of nonprofit experience and a diverse professional background spanning education, retail management, and community service. Before joining Cancer Services Network, McKinney served as Education Manager for Junior Achievement of Abilene, following roles with Hawley ISD as an elementary school teacher and education paraprofessional. Earlier in her career, she served as a Store Manager with Journeys, where her leadership contributed to an increase of more than $100,000 in store sales and earned her a sales award.
McKinney earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in accounting from Abilene Christian University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus in nonprofit management at the same institution. She is also a Texas Notary and has facilitated programs including Children’s Facilitator and Darkness to Light, which focuses on the prevention of child sexual abuse. Her professional experiences have strengthened her skills in leadership, business management, education, team development, relationship building, and community engagement. In her current role, she is helping lead Cancer Services Network through a period of rebranding and organizational rebuilding while maintaining a strong focus on the people and communities it serves.
Deeply committed to service, McKinney is actively involved in the Abilene community as a Leadership Abilene graduate and alumni member, Chamber of Commerce Red Coat, Military Affairs Council member, Young Ladies Success Board member, Heroes for a Cause participant, and Treasurer of the Southwest Rotary Club. She credits much of her success to the guidance of her mentors, particularly her mother, Shay Pittman, and nonprofit mentor Sharon Ernest, as well as her faith and her children, who continue to inspire her. McKinney believes in leading with honesty and compassion, maintaining a positive outlook, and ensuring that her actions remain aligned with the organization’s mission. As she continues to strengthen Cancer Services Network, she remains focused on perseverance, serving others, and building an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amber
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance of my mentors, the unwavering support of my mother, my faith, and the inspiration I receive from my children. My mother has been my greatest mentor, teaching me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and continuing forward regardless of the challenges I encounter. My nonprofit mentor, Sharon Ernest, has also played a significant role in my professional development by teaching me how to effectively lead and operate a nonprofit organization. Above all, my children continue to inspire me every day and motivate me to lead with purpose, remain committed to my goals, and strive to make a meaningful impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to slow down, breathe, and remember to enjoy the journey. Challenges are an inevitable part of any career, but maintaining a positive perspective, keeping my head up, and continuing to move forward have helped me navigate difficult moments with resilience. I also believe it is important to stay focused on the mission, remain grounded in purpose, and not lose sight of the impact I hope to make along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nonprofit field is to never give up, stay committed to your mission, and trust your instincts. There will be difficult days and moments when others may tell you that something cannot be done, but it is important to believe in yourself and continue moving forward. When you are genuinely passionate about your mission and remain focused on the difference you want to make, you can navigate challenges with purpose and resilience. Most importantly, never hesitate to ask for help, seek guidance from others, and build relationships with people who can support you along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges this year has been rebranding and rebuilding the organization following the arrival of an entirely new staff in January. At the same time, we have had to distinguish ourselves from other organizations competing for funding, particularly those that may not keep donated resources within the local community. This has made the year one of significant learning, adaptation, and growth as we have worked to overcome outside challenges and remain focused on our mission. Through it all, I have prioritized maintaining a positive outlook, strengthening the organization, and keeping the needs of our clients at the center of everything we do.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and compassion are the values that guide me most in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being truthful, doing what is best for others, and treating everyone with the same kindness, dignity, and respect that I would want for myself and my children. I also believe in approaching each day with a positive attitude and a genuine smile, because we never know what challenges someone else may be facing. Above all, I strive to ensure that my decisions, actions, and relationships remain aligned with my values and reflect the kind of person I want to be.
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