Manhattan, Kansas — August 14, 2026 — The Flint Hills Community Accelerator (FHCA) has named Rhianna Nelson as its new Director. Nelson will begin her role in September 1, 2026, providing strategic and operational leadership as the organization continues its work to address critical needs throughout the region.
The Flint Hills Community Accelerator was established through a collaborative effort led by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. The FHCA serves as a community hub focused on increasing local childcare capacity, developing workforce skills, connecting qualified employees with local employers, and improving connections between healthcare providers and underserved populations.
Nelson brings more than 10 years of experience in early childhood development, youth development and educational leadership, with a background in program administration, community engagement, relationship management, budgeting, policy development and staff leadership.
Most recently, Nelson has served as Early Childhood Program Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor at Manhattan Area Technical College, where she provides leadership for the Early Childhood Education program and works with community partners and employers to strengthen workforce connections. She has also served as Community Outreach & Engagement Manager for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, working with communities, business and civic leaders, stakeholders and childcare providers on childcare capacity-building efforts. Previously, Nelson spent five years as Program Director/Administrator at Manhattan Catholic Schools.