Drew Carter '91
Drew Carter graduated from the University of Kansas in 1995 with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business. He also pursued minor concentrations in East Asian Studies and Computer Science. As an undergraduate student, he was actively involved in campus life as a member of the KU club rugby team and as a teaching assistant for Accounting 101 for three semesters. Within the Kappa Sigma fraternity, Carter served as the Social Chairman for the chapter and lived in the chapter house for three and a half years. He said his experience in the house laid a foundation of friendship, responsibility, and connection that has continued to shape his life today.
Carter currently serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Whistle Rewards. In his role, he helps build innovative rewards and recognition technology to improve retention, safety, and productivity for front-line workers in the built world. He previously served as President and CEO of Maritz Motivation and supported global programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Southwest Rapid Rewards. His work has consistently focused on transforming legacy systems, modernizing sales strategies, and applying data and behavioral science to drive measurable outcomes. He’s co-founded multiple successful ventures, led large-scale digital transformations, and has been recognized by Incentive Magazine as one of the most influential people in the motivation and incentives industry. Carter also has two sons: Ethan (graduating high school in 2026) and Reid (graduating high school in 2027).
As an alumnus of the University of Kansas, Carter has remained actively involved in supporting the university. For many years, he has returned to campus to advise and mentor students in the School of Business through the Accounting Teaching Assistants program. He supports the university financially, contributing to its ongoing mission to educate and empower future leaders. Carter has also remained involved in the local business and academic communities—mentoring students at the University of Kansas, advising early-stage entrepreneurs, and supporting workforce development efforts. He said that staying connected to KU and investing in the next generation of students has been a deeply rewarding part of his alumni experience.