The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of 26 participants of the 2024-25 program year. Ceremonies were completed at the Belltower in Eskridge.
Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained, “When we formed this class, we discovered the 26 members found they could work with any combination of team members within this diverse group of leaders. This class will be our regions stewards.
Christian Bishop then summarized the class experience saying, “Over this past year, we have shared data analysis of growth opportunities and challenges to improve our infrastructure and quality of life. This region needs vision to meet the needs and convert challenges into opportunities. ”
Organization treasurer Tiffany Cutter shared the roster of financial and in-kind supporters including:
CORVIAS – Session underwriter
WABAUNSEE COUNTY COMMISSION
WABAUNSEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PORTER CATTLE COMPANY
GEARY COUNTY COMMISSION
CITY OF JUNCTION CITY
RILEY COUNTY COMMISSION
CITY OF MANHATTAN
WTC
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Bank of the Flint Hills
City of Wamego
Wamego Chamber of Commerce
Central National Bank
Linda Weis OLSON - Realty Executives Weis Real Estate Co.
US ARMY, Fort Riley
Class members that completed the nine-session course included:
Jenn Alley Manhattan RL Convention Sales Manager, Visit Manhattan, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Carrie Boeckman Alma WB Treasurer's Clerk, Wabaunsee County
Preston Buckland Junction City GE Maintenance Manager, Corvias Property Management
Kirk Crabtree Ogden RL Operations Manager, Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills
Daniel Cutting Manhattan RL IT Specialist, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
John Green Manhattan PT Associate Director - Retail Operations, Housing and Dining – Kansas State University
Reed A. Harp Manhattan. RL Trust/Brokerage Sales Assistant Central National Bank
Robert Hart Manhattan RL Education Services Officer, US ARMY Fort Riley DHR
Adam Hastert Saint George PT Management Agronomist, USAG Fort Riley
Dené Kaster Alta Vista WB CFO, Kansas 4-H Foundation
Dylan Kelsheimer Manhattan RL Loan Officer, ESB Financial
Deidre Knight Council Grove MR Co-owner, Twin Lakes Tees & Backroads; Story Media & Riverbank Brewing
Tande Lentz Manhattan RL Assistant Vehicle Supervisor, Riley County
Cory Lindsley Wamego PT Manager, Varney & Associates, CPA's
Evan McMillan Manhattan RL Assistant County Engineer, Assist. Public Works Dir., Riley County
Sabrina McMiller Junction City GE Business and Project Manager
Paige Mendoza Junction City GE Seitz Elementary Attendance/Receptionist Clerk, USD 475
Jimmy Neal II Junction City GE Management Analyst, Department of the Army / USAG Fort Riley
Emily Olson Alma WB Patrol Sergeant, Junction City Police Department
Judy Rohe Milford GE Interim Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Brach Chief, US Army NAF/ Fort Riley DFMWR
Brent Sigman Manhattan RL Programming and Development Director, OZ Museum/ Columbian Theatre Foundation
Alex Thompson Manhattan RL Realtor/Client Services Coordinator, Realty Executives Weis Real Estate
Breeana Toles Junction City GE Resident Manager, CORVIAS
Linda Ward Wakefield CL Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, Garrison Safety Office, Fort Riley
Owen Washburn Herington DK Management and Program Analyst, Garrison Command, Fort Riley
Ricky Williams Eskridge WB Deputy Sheriff, K9 Corporal, Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff's Office
Board Chair Christian Bishop introduced closing address speaker, COL Jim MacGregor (ret), Wabaunsee County Commissioner. MacGregor was instrumental in the addition of WABAUNSEE County to the Flint Hills Regional Program network of hosting sponsors.
In response, Rob Hart shared lessons learned and appreciation remarks. Hart and Carrie Boeckman are newly elected class representatives to the board. The class project, Ramp Redux, was announced by class member Bree Toles.