Donaldson Capital Management Welcomes Kate Doerksen to Board of Directors
Donaldson Capital Management (DCM), a distinguished wealth management and advisory firm with over $3 billion in assets under management, proudly announces the appointment of Kate Doerksen to its Board of Directors. The decision to welcome Doerksen to the board reflects the company’s commitment to continued innovation and strategic growth, reinforcing its dedication to providing best-in-class financial solutions to its clients.
“Kate has been recognized throughout her career for both her strategic vision and skill as an operator,” said Sarah Moore, CEO & President of Donaldson Capital Management. “She brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and technology, which will be invaluable as we pursue our mission to grow with the client as our focus.”
A Proven Leader in Entrepreneurship and Technology
Doerksen is an accomplished entrepreneur with a deep passion for building technology-driven businesses. Originally from Evansville, Indiana, she now resides in Danville, California. Her career spans multiple industries, including sports, investment banking, private equity, and innovative tech startups. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify emerging trends, develop strategic business solutions, and scale companies successfully.
Her entrepreneurial journey began during her undergraduate years when she founded Hoopla, an online marketplace dedicated to college basketball recruiting. The platform connected high school athletes with college coaches, offering new opportunities for young players seeking scholarships and collegiate-level sports careers.
As a Division 1 women’s basketball standout, Doerksen was widely recognized for her performance on the court, earning numerous accolades throughout her career. She even had a brief stint with the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA before deciding to pivot towards business and finance.
A Strong Foundation in Finance and Investments
After retiring from professional basketball, Doerksen transitioned into the financial industry, bringing the same level of discipline and strategic thinking that had made her successful in athletics. She started her finance career as an investment banking analyst at Citi, where she gained experience in corporate finance, financial modeling, and M&A transactions. Following her tenure at Citi, she joined Wind Point Partners, a private equity firm, where she played a key role in evaluating investment opportunities and managing portfolio companies.
Her experience in investment banking and private equity provided her with a robust understanding of business growth strategies, capital allocation, and market analysis. These skills would later prove instrumental in her entrepreneurial ventures and will now benefit Donaldson Capital Management as the firm continues to expand its client services and market presence.
Pioneering Innovation in the Vision Industry
Determined to further her business acumen, Doerksen pursued an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for entrepreneurship and leadership development. During her time at Stanford, she co-founded Ditto, a revolutionary company in the vision industry that leveraged artificial intelligence and augmented reality to transform how consumers purchased eyewear online.
Ditto became a global leader in virtual try-on technology, enabling customers to see how different frames would look on their faces before purchasing. This innovation significantly enhanced the online shopping experience, reducing returns and making eyewear more accessible and affordable. Under Doerksen’s leadership, Ditto scaled rapidly, reaching over 70 million users worldwide and partnering with major eyewear brands to redefine digital retail in the industry.
Her ability to identify consumer pain points and apply cutting-edge technology to solve them has been a hallmark of her career. Her work at Ditto demonstrated her expertise in product development, strategic partnerships, and digital transformation—key areas that will bring valuable insights to Donaldson Capital Management as it seeks to integrate more technology-driven solutions into its financial advisory services.
Addressing the Challenges of the Digital Age
Most recently, in 2023, Doerksen co-founded Sage Haven, a company dedicated to promoting healthier relationships between children and technology. In today’s digital world, children face increasing challenges with screen time, social media influence, and online safety. Sage Haven’s mission is to address these concerns by developing innovative solutions that help parents and children navigate the digital landscape more effectively.
In the second quarter of 2025, Sage Haven is set to launch its first technology solution: a safer messaging app for kids that incorporates AI-powered safety tools for parents. The app is designed to create a more secure and controlled digital environment for children, providing peace of mind to parents while allowing kids to engage with technology in a meaningful way.
Doerksen’s latest venture highlights her ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for social good. Her expertise in building consumer-centric technology solutions will be a valuable asset to Donaldson Capital Management as the firm explores new ways to enhance client engagement, improve digital tools, and adapt to the evolving financial landscape.
Strengthening the Donaldson Capital Management Board
Kate Doerksen’s appointment strengthens an already distinguished Board of Directors at Donaldson Capital Management. She joins a team of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience in investment management, financial planning, and corporate governance. The DCM Board is currently comprised of the following members:
- Mike Hull – Chairman of the Board
- Sarah Moore – CEO & President
- Greg Donaldson – Founder
- Steve Nichols
- Sharon Reed-Walker
- Rick Roop
- Drew Runion
- Marvin Wright – Senior Investment Advisor
- Randy Alsman – Senior Investment Advisor
- Joe Zabratanski – Senior Investment Advisor & Chief Investment Officer
Each board member plays a critical role in guiding the firm’s strategic vision, ensuring that Donaldson Capital Management remains at the forefront of wealth management services.
