CLASS of 2022-23 NAMED

August 25, 2022

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Announces New Class

The Board of directors for the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program publicly announced the 2022-23 class at a celebration event on Thursday, August 25 at the Rolling Meadows Golf Course Pavilion, Milford, according to Vice Chair Sarah Keatley. The event was underwritten by the Geary County Commission, City of Junction City and DM Construction.   

Opening the reception, Keatley stated that, “This new FHRLP Program class will gain awareness of regional strengths and resources through participation in the eight-session experience held in Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties, as well as Fort Riley and Topeka. The class will enhance knowledge and skills in Economic development and building entrepreneurial spirit.  We find the program quickly builds friendships and networking between persons from all parts of the region to eliminate destructive parochialism.” 

Program executive director Jack Lindquist introduced each newly selected class. Member and shared said, “Our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership. We seek positive, strategic thinking. For the Class of 2022-23, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find common pathways through growth opportunities. We found people with the right stuff…inherent servant leaders.”

Board members serving as session hosts shared a sneak preview of the curriculum highlights during the program. An orientation retreat, plus eight days of educational sessions are held throughout the region. An immersive two-day experience at Ft Riley is always a highlight and a day in Topeka at the Statehouse concludes the curriculum. Graduation with a celebration banquet is the capstone of training.

 The class includes:

Sydni Jo Baker

Manhattan        PT County

Aquatics Specialist,

City of Manhattan –

Parks and Recreation

Alissa Barber

Alma                WB County

Deputy County Clerk, Wabaunsee County

Josh Brewer

Manhattan        RL County

Executive Director,

Manhattan Area

 Habitat for Humanity

Melissa Cabana

Wamego          PT County

Leader & Workforce Development Specialist, Directorate of Human Resources, Fort Riley

Ashley Chambers      

Milford            GE County

DPTMS Visual Information Specialist, Ft Riley

Dr Crystal J Davis

Junction City    GE County

CEO, CJD Consulting

 Solutions LLC

Susan Dean

Junction City    GE County

Operations Lead,

UPU Industries

Leslie Dugan

Wamego          PT County

Treasurer, City of Wamego

Samantha Ellison

Manhattan        RL County

Member Engagement Manager, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

Tracy Geisler

Leonardville     RL County      

Executive Director,

Geary County Health Care Foundation

Mary Hildreth

Wamego          PT County

Guest Services /

Membership Manager,

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Morgan Holloman

Alma                WB County

Owner, The Antique Emporium of Alma

Eric Kirsch

Alma                WB County

Detective Sergeant, WB County Sheriff’s Office / Maple Hill Police Chief

Trina McCarty

Manhattan        RL County

Instructional Designer,

Kansas State University Global Campus

Nick Messer

Manhattan        RL County

Supervisor Field Design, Evergy

Derek Moon

Milford            GE County

Supervisory Fish and

Wildlife Biologist,

DPW Environmental

Cory Odell

Junction City    GE County

Captain, Investigations Division, Junction City Police Department

Jeremy J. O’Donnell  

Manhattan        RL County

Garrison Executive Officer, Fort Riley

Fredrick D. Reid

Junction City    GE County

Executive Board Member, Prairie Heritage 

Tom Reust

St George         PT County

Public Affairs Specialist, US ARMY

Paul Schliffke

Wamego          PT County

Chief of Police, City of Wamego

Steve Schurle

Manhattan        PT County

Commercial Real Estate Analyst, Riley County

Anne Smith

Manhattan        RL County

Executive Director,

Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency

Juliana Tobon

Fort Riley         GE County

Junction City Treasurer

Morgan Todd

Junction City    GE County

Commercial Lending Assistant,

Central National Bank

Nicole Trolio

Manhattan        RL County

Business Operations Officer,

Army Fort Riley MWR

Closing the event, Jack Lindquist, Executive Director said, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is thrilled to embrace yet another class of forward-thinking leaders. Our innovative board of directors welcome fresh faces every year, and we cannot be more pleased by everyone’s experience, willingness to serve, and hunger for growth.”   Sessions get underway with Orientation at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Center and the Junction City / Geary County Session in two weeks.

                                                                                                  ~30~

 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

1310A Westloop Pl #101  Manhattan KS 66502          director@fhrlp.org