Author: fhrlpweb

The board of directors for the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is pleased to announce the application period for the 2022-23 class offering is now open through July 16.  The cooperative effort among Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie & Wabaunsee Counties, identifies and motivates leaders in the area to ensure growth in the northern Flint Hills region.

Sessions for the selected class members are held throughout the region with Orientation beginning in early September at Rock Springs and Junction City focusing on Team Engagement.  

In late September, Pottawatomie County’s theme is Community Collaboration to  Adapt to Opportunities and Challenges.  Immediately following is Wabaunsee County with the objective of Advocacy and Awareness.   The Wabaunsee County addition, new for our 2022-23 class, will add a deeper dive into the regions natural environment, specifically prairie utilization and preservation. It will also greatly increase engagement in rural community entrepreneurship and the agricultural / beef production economy, all critical to the future of the Flint Hills.

Kansas State University’s session, focusing on Visioning, is in October with a two day session at Fort Riley in mid November.  That experience underscores Servant Leadership. The Manhattan/Riley County session theme is on Entrepreneurship  and Topeka is the capstone in January with a day at the Statehouse to reinforce the importance of Economic Literacy, Collaboration & Compromise.  The class graduation, Celebration, is a reflection of the experience and challenge for a refocused lifetime of servant leadership.  Executive Director Jack Lindquist says, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program’s primary focus is to create a  ‘Pathway to Purpose’.  We help create a more engaged Citizen that is morally grounded in Servant Leadership.”

Following a board evaluation of applications a tuition fee of $600 is charged to applicants selected for participation.  The Ailleen Cray Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for those selected who need financial assistance. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the sessions. Transportation and meals during the sessions are provided thanks to session Underwriters and sponsors.

All applicants must complete the online application during the application period by visiting www.fhrlp.org/.  Qualified candidates must live within or work within the four counties of Geary, Pottawatomie, Riley and Wabaunsee, or at Fort Riley.  Additional details, specific dates and other requirements are available through the site.

                                                                   ~30~

Ceremony Presentation Image.jpeg

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Adds Wabaunsee County
Alma, Kansas
14 February 2022

Nearly three decades ago, regional political, business and civic leaders, seeing the need to develop and encourage young leaders, formed the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program. Since that time, more than 610 men and women have attended seminars and workshops to build teams, improve communication and decision-making skills, and expand their understanding of the region. Graduates now serve in local governments, businesses, schools, and more across the region.

Originally formed around three members – Geary, Pottawatomie, and Riley Counties, for the last several months, the Program’s Board considered opportunities to expand. Several county representatives, including leaders from Clay, Dickinson, Marshall, Morris, and Wabaunsee Counties, approached Mr. Jack Lindquist, the Executive Director, or individual board members with requests to join. “This alone is an amazing reflection of admiration for what we do,” said Lindquist.

On February 4, 2022, the Board selected Wabaunsee County as its newest member. The Board chose Wabaunsee County because of its geographic and economic ties to the original three members. In addition, the County represents a rural and agricultural perspective not fully explored by the program’s current schedule. By joining, all Wabaunsee County residents are eligible to participate.

In his request, Wabaunsee County Commission Chairman Joel Fager stated, “the Board of County Commissioners believes that admission into the program would serve two important goals. First, by expanding our resident’s ability to participate, we are investing in young business, community and government leaders who will define the future of our county. Second, by serving as an event host, we can deepen the understanding our neighbors have of our unique challenges and opportunities.”

This fall, Wabaunsee County will host the next class for a day to explore common local themes – prairie utilization and preservation, agricultural practices and businesses, rural entrepreneurship, and other topics important to its residents. This will be a great opportunity to educate others on the challenges and opportunities local residents, farmers, ranchers, and families encounter every day as well as their contributions to the region and the state.

Wabaunsee County residents who are interested in learning more can visit the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program website at https://fhrlp.org/ or by contacting the Wabaunsee County Office of Economic Development at 785.765.4655.

Article by Jim MacGregor COL USA (ret.), Wabaunsee County Economic Development
And Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

CLASS OF 2021-22 COMPOSITE

The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program  honored the graduating class of the training experience for Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties at the Columbian Theater, Wamego.

  Executive Director Jack Lindquist introduced the class of twenty for plaque presentations.  “Being the twenty-ninth year since the programs founding, we found a renewed sense of focus to make sure we had great programming to match our exceptional participants.  We found, through our team leadership module interaction, that championing causes that focused on better life and livelihood was a common and frequently chosen path.” Lindquist announced.

“The twenty participants found they could work with any other combination of team members within this diverse class and given that, vastly increased their confidence in collaborative skills.  They found and embraced the most important component of true servant leadership and earned the moniker ‘The Pathfinders’ class.” Lindquist added. “We are confident you will continue to lead by tapping into your future team’s collective aptitude while channeling their deep-rooted compassion and desire to find a better path for a better future.” Lindquist concluded.

The class of 20 includes:

Christine Benne        Riley County

Manhattan

Regional Volunteer, including Manhattan Military Relations Committee, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation Board; Friends of Fort Riley Museums Board; AUSA & Flint Hills Veterans Coalition

Casey Biesenthal       Pottawatomie County

Wamego

Mortgage Loan Officer, Bank of the Flint Hills

Christian Bishop       Wabaunsee County

Manhattan

Protocol Specialist, First Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Riley

Andrew Darrow        Geary County 

Junction City

IT Director, City of Manhattan

Cade Dover                Pottawatomie County

Saint George

District Operations Manager, EVERGY

David Easterling        Geary County

Junction City

Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Army Substance Abuse Program/DHR @ USAG Fort Riley

Josh Gering               Riley County

Manhattan

Assistant Director, Riley County EMS

Travis Godfrey          Geary County

Junction City

Outside Sales Manager,

Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges & Tactical Supply

Becky Goff                Riley County

Keats

WIBW-TV Regional News Reporter and Multimedia Journalist, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie Counties 

Vanessa Gray             Geary County

Junction City

Director of the Junction City Animal Shelter

Marc Greene             Geary County 

Fort Riley 

Deputy Garrison Safety Director, USAG Fort Riley

Shannon Horton        Riley County

Manhattan

Director of Growing Nurturing Families, TFI Family Services

George Kandt                        Riley County

Manhattan

Business Retention & Expansion Mgr., Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

Matthew Lindquist   Riley County

Manhattan

Administrator, Stonecreek Family Physicians

Jeremy McDiffett      Wabaunsee County

Alta Vista        

Information Technology Manager, 

K-State College of Veterinary Medicine         

Vivienne Uccello        Riley County

Manhattan

Public Information Officer for Riley County

Devin Wendt              Pottawatomie County

Manhattan       

Lead Pastor, Crestview Christian Church

Wendy Winston         Riley County

Manhattan

Division Chief, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation @ USAG Ft Riley

Nancy Zenger-Beneda          Riley County

Manhattan

Executive Director, Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom

Eric Zenk                   Pottawatomie County

Manhattan

Special Emphasis & Disability Program Manager, 

Equal Employment Opportunity Office @ USAG Fort Riley

During the event, Chair Chris Bowman introduced Keynote Jared Estes, Wichita, selected for his work to overcome tragedy and adversity.  “Jared Estes inspires others and shares a vision and pathway we should all take to heart and put into practice.  Our new leaders will reflect on the message to be dedicated to drawing from others for strength and working to protect and preserve the relationships necessary to better our quality of life.”

The new FHRLP Board members, selected by their classmates, are Christian Bishop, Wamego and Cade Dover, St George.  The representatives each provided reflection on the year and Jeremy McDiffett, Alta Vista, joined them to announce the class project – A baseball diamond renovation in Alta Vista and Mini Library in Saint George.  

Chair Chris Bowman closed the ceremonies stating, “Over this past year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, and visionary leadership. When we shaped the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis. We found you were definitely people with the right stuff to lead by example… inherent and well trained, focused servant leaders.”

FHRLP Adds WABAUNSEE County to Programming

 During the fall of 2021, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program board meeting included the reoccurring discussion of contacts requesting consideration to be added to the  program area.  Several county representatives, including leaders from Dickinson,  Morris, Wabaunsee, Marshall, and Clay County, had approached the program director or board members with requests.  “This alone is an amazing reflection of admiration for what we do”, said Executive Director Jack Lindquist.

Wabaunsee County, it was decided, would be the the only  logical expansion option if a decision was to be made at this time.  Wabaunsee County is the only “bid” that actually connects contiguously with all three original host counties, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie.

Wabaunsee County Commission Board Chair Joel Fager stated in the formal request, “The Board of County Commissioners believes that admission into the program would serve two important goals.  First, by expanding our resident’s ability to participate, we are investing in young business, community and government leaders who will define the future of our county.  Second, by serving as an event host, we can deepen the understanding our neighbors have of our unique challenges and opportunities.”

The Wabaunsee County option was officially approved by the board of directors on February 4, 2022.  The addition will add a deeper dive into the regions natural environment, specifically prairie utilization and preservation.  It will also greatly increase engagement in rural community entrepreneurship and the agricultural / beef production economy, all critical to the future of the Flint Hills.

The Celebration session takes place for the 29th class of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program on February 4, at the Columbian Theater, Wamego.

Although our live audience is restricted to the class members, board members and their guest, we intend to feature a Livestream of the event on Facebook. To join in, mark your calendars, then Like & Follow us on Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/fhrlp.org/.

Our last FB Livestream event had an observation reach of over 2,500, a record for program participation.

If you have not had the opportunity to support the program and class this year you may do so with a donation through the contribution menu at the bottom of our homepage, 
http://www.fhrlp.org/. Any amount is greatly appreciated and amounts beyond the $50 Dues* option will help sponsor the events. All donors will be acknowledged at the event and on-line.
*Dues, as you may recall, are accumulated to provide Aileen Cray Memorial Scholarships for each class.

The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has named the members of the next class of participants for the 2021-22 program year according to Chair Chris Bowman.

  The announcement was made public at Ironclad Co-Working, Wamego, during a reception for the newest program participants.  The event was underwritten by CivicPlus and several alumni.  Opening the reception, Bowman stated that, “This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership.  Generally, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective. For the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis. We found people with the right stuff to lead by example… inherent servant leaders.”

The regions premier leadership training program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders in the area that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties.   Class members will complete the seven-session course over the next six months.  The class of 20 includes:

Christine Benne          Riley County

Manhattan

Regional Volunteer, inc. Chair, Manhattan Military Relations Committee, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation Board; Friends of Fort Riley Museums Board; AUSA; Flint Hills Veterans Coalition

Casey Biesenthal         Pottawatomie County

Wamego

Commercial Lending, Central National Bank

Christian Bishop         Wabaunsee County

Manhattan

Protocol Specialist, First Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Riley

Andrew Darrow          Geary County  

Junction City

IT Director, City of Manhattan

Cade Dover                 Pottawatomie County

Saint George

District Operations Manager, EVERGY

David Easterling         Geary County

Junction City

Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Army Substance Abuse Program/DHR @ USAG Fort Riley

Josh Gering                Riley County

Manhattan

Assistant Director, Riley County EMS

Travis Godfrey           Geary County

Junction City

Outside Sales Manager,

Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges & Tactical Supply

Becky Goff                  Riley County

Keats

WIBW-TV Regional News Reporter and Multimedia Journalist, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie Counties

Vanessa Gray             Geary County

Junction City

Director of the Junction City Animal Shelter

Marc Greene              Geary County

Fort Riley

Deputy Garrison Safety Director, USAG Fort Riley

Shannon Horton         Riley County

Manhattan

Director of Growing Nurturing Families, TFI Family Services

George Kandt              Riley County

Manhattan

Business Retention & Expansion Mgr., Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

Matthew Lindquist      Riley County

Manhattan

Administrator, Stonecreek Family Physicians

Jeremy McDiffett        Wabaunsee County

Alta Vista        

Information Technology Manager,

K-State College of Veterinary Medicine

Vivienne Uccello         Riley County

Manhattan

Public Information Officer, City of Manhattan

Devin Wendt               Pottawatomie County

Manhattan       

Lead Pastor, Crestview Christian Church

Wendy Winston          Riley County

Manhattan

Division Chief, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation @ USAG Ft Riley

Nancy Zenger-Beneda Riley County

Manhattan

Executive Director, Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom

Eric Zenk                    Pottawatomie County

Manhattan

Special Emphasis & Disability Program Manager,

Equal Employment Opportunity Office @ USAG Fort Riley

During 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 welcomes fresh faces every year, and although our diligent measures for safety have limited the overall class size to twenty, I cannot be more pleased by each individual’s experience, thoughtfulness, and thirst for growth.”

 Sessions get underway with Orientation at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Center and the Junction City / Geary County Session in three weeks.       

Class Roster  

                                                                                                  ~30~

 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

——-

May 14, 2021

FHRLP Class of 2021-22 Recruiting

The board of directors for the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is pleased to announce the application period for the 2021-22 class offering will take place May 15-July 24.

“For the North Central Flint Hills area of Kansas to grow and prosper, leaders from all backgrounds and vocations are needed to tackle the challenges facing our region.  The goal of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is to motivate traditional and non-traditional leaders by teaching 21st century leadership skills.  This is done through information, dialogue, skill building and hands-on experiences, so our leaders of tomorrow are best prepared to strengthen and transform our communities”, says Jack Lindquist, Executive Director.

The annual program develops the leadership skills necessary to help the Flint Hills region become the best place in Kansas to live, work, and raise our children, according to the website.  Sessions for the selected class members are held throughout the region with Orientation beginning at Rock Springs Ranch and Junction City in mid-September. The remaining six sessions follow every 3 weeks with graduation in February.

The program had a successful experience for the FHRLP Class of 2020-21 due to new technologies and the implementation of Covid-19 Pandemic safety protocols.  “Life is full of risk as is leadership…but, taking care of self and others is a prerequisite to advancing our population into a more positive future”, said board chair and alumnus Chris Bowman.   “Not only is safely opening the economic drivers of our region important, so too is face-to face leadership training to help our population move positively into uncharted waters.  The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program follows all CDC and local recommendations for health screening, mask wearing when advised and stringent sanitation practices”, Bowman added.  “All applicants must agree to adhere to CDC and Health Department protocols. Vaccinations are strongly encouraged with the final dose completed 15 days prior to the opening session.”  

A link on the program homepage www.fhrlp.org allows for contributions to support the upcoming class.  The same PayPal link allows for alumni dues to be paid with accumulated funds to be applied towards the Ailleen Cray Memorial Scholarship Fund.

(Amended 7/14)

Application Problems

Visit the website for more information <www.fhrlp.org> and follow the instructions to upload an introduction video with your application before the deadline of July 24:

Apply

*Due to a glitch in our on-line application process, we are extending the application due-date to Saturday, July 24. Apparently recent upgrades to some business and military cyber security systems (on applicants work computers) are preventing them from uploading a large attachment file like the introductory video. It appears that new or enhanced security firewalls are working well.

Instructions for uploading your introductory video: From a home based private computer, pre-record your video and save the file. Use the link at bottom of application page when prompted to upload your video file. If the pre-recorded file is on your phone, send it as a text attachment to me and I will post it for you.

My cell is 785-770-2425.

If you have to follow the cell attachment steps, we recommend typing a note into a word document and state that you are sending the video to the Executive Director directly, then put that note in the video attachment upload button when you complete the online application form. Next forward your video file as an attachment from your cell to my cell.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Jack

PS. To speed up the process, we also advise people to first set up a Google account.  Next access the form with the button at the bottom of the apply page.  Print screen shots of the questions.  Close the form and type the answers in a computer Word or note pad app, record the introduction video on your phone and send the file to the laptop or desktop.  Reopen the application form, cut and paste the answers and upload the prerecorded video when asked.  Application can be done in 10 minutes that way.

-30-

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

1310A Westloop Pl #101

Manhattan KS 66502

Email: director@fhrlp.org

785-770-2425(cell)

www.fhrlp.org

Class of 2020-21 (jpg photo)

 The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of twenty participants of the 2020-21 program year.  Ceremonies were completed following Covid-19 event protocols established by the Riley County Health Department with approval to hold the event at the Liquid Art Winery & Estate, Manhattan. 

Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained how this class experience was different from all others since the formation of the program in 1992, “The Covid-19 Pandemic opened our eyes and creative thinking to ways the program had to change to allow in person attendance and interaction, all while practicing safety protocols established by health officials. This class, right sized for social distancing, was 1/3 smaller than our recent classes so selection was event more competitive.  The members became known as the AD ASTRA Class.”  Lindquist added, “Under these new learning environments, modified tours and amended – technological ways to access and interact with our regions established business and governmental leaders, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program helped the Class leaders find a way to change the future to better opportunities when faced with unimaginable challenges.  They sacrificed, stepped up and found a way to turn the experience into one that can be duplicated in part, or in whole, when other challenges surface.  Given that, each put great effort into building on their – Integrity, Confidence, Discipline, Professionalism, Self-Development, Broadened Viewpoint & Servant Ethos. Our newest Graduates now possess a sense to serve and follow, in-order-to LEAD.”

FHRLP Chair Ryan Almes introduced closing address speaker Lyle Butler. In June 2020, Lyle Butler was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly as Chair for the SPARK Committee (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) for the Governor’s Office of Recovery.  Almes completed the evenings celebration event stating that, “Our new leaders will be dedicated to helping protect and preserve the businesses, infrastructure, and families of the Flint Hills and beyond.  Each member helped one another see that, by their own actions, a model is put into place…helping present and future generations join them as we protect, appreciate, and invest in a better quality of life.”

The event was underwritten by Corvias, focused on improving the quality of life at Fort Riley and for our service personnel and civilian support networks that make this region the best place to live, work and raise families.  The program area includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties.” 

Class members that completed the seven-session course over the past six months included:

Zachary Bayless        Manhattan

Pottawatomie County

Recreation Supervisor for Arts & Humanities, City of Manhattan Parks & Recreation

Tara Claussen                       Manhattan

Riley County

CEO / Director, Konza United Way

Kevin Dickerson        Riley

Riley County

Facilities Director, 

CORVIAS Property Management

Paul Eichem               Wamego 

Pottawatomie County

Sales Coordinator, Purple Wave Auction

Aubrey Evans                        Dwight

Morris County

District Manager, 

Riley County Conservation District

Flo Ewing                   Junction City

Geary County

Leasing Consultant, Corvias

Fanny Fang               Manhattan

Riley County

Owner/Partner, Asian Market LLC

Benjamin Fisher        Manhattan

Riley County

Air Traffic Controller,

DPTMS Air Traffic Control at USAG Fort Riley

Pamela Green Nealey           Manhattan

Riley County

Director of Operations, 

Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan

Aaron Harrop                       Manhattan

Riley County

ASAP Program Manager, 

US Army DHR, Fort Riley

Julia Henning                        Manhattan

Riley County

Medical Marketing and Outreach Specialist, HR Div., Irwin Arm Community Hospital, Fort Riley

Sarah L. Keatley       Wamego

Pottawatomie County

Alumni Events and Affairs Coordinator, 

KSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Tammy Melton          Junction City

Geary County

City Clerk, Junction City

Jeff Miller                  Manhattan

Pottawatomie County

Restaurant General Manager, 

McAlister’s Deli

Tim Morgan              Chapman

Dickinson County

Installation Antiterrorism Officer, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS), Fort Riley

Dawn Munger                       Manhattan

Riley County

Museum Curator of Collections, Riley County Historical Museum

Mike Solida                Wamego

Pottawatomie County

Customer Solutions Manager, EVERGY

Mariah Wheaton       Junction City

Geary County

Guest Experience Director, 

Rock Spring 4-H Center

Levi Whitebread       Junction City

Geary County

Sergeant, Junction City/GE Co. 

Drug Operations Group, JC PD

Sharonté E. Williams                        Junction City

Geary County                                   

Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

                                                                             ~30~

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

d2sasurnmbv7z1.cloudfront.net/download-individual/34e3e1546ccaeff39b4e48de4af81075

Profile of Leadership

Attached you will find my analysis of Jack Lindquist for our Fall 2020 Semester class project.  I hope I did an impressive career justice! 

The first report is the result of the interview. The analysis part is my own thoughts on the interview, what I learned, and how it connected to my coursework this semester. 

Additionally, I wanted to say thank you to Jack Lindquist for his time and insight. I learned a lot and I hope that shines through in my project.

Grace Wheeler 

Chancellor of the K-State Student Tribunal 

Communication Studies 

Leadership Studies Report

—-