The DRAFT itinerary for the 2024-25 class offering is now being considered by the Board.

https://fhrlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-25-timetable-draft.pdf (itinerary draft for 24-25)

It’s time to notify your nominees that applications will open on the website <fhrlp.org> on MAY 15!

Potential candidates, pencil the dates in on your priorities calendar. Session underwriters, hosts and sponsors- stay tuned…

ugust 24, 2023

FHRLP Class of 2023-24 Announced

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program announced the newest members of the training experience along with a milestone celebration. The program was formed in 1992 and is celebrating its 30th Anniversary of programming with the upcoming 2023-24 program year.  The festivities were held in Manhattan at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. 

 

According to FHRLP Board chair and program alumnus, Sarah Keatley, “From that very first 1993-94 class, 636 members of this region have stepped up to make a measurable difference in the lives and livelihoods of generations of residents from the north-central Flint Hills and western KAW Valley communities we call home.”

 

Founding and continuously supporting organization representatives we’re recognized as well during the event including Fort Riley, The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Manhattan, the Riley County Commission, the Geary County Commission, City of Junction City, City of Wamego, Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce, Pottawatomie County, and the newly added Wabaunsee County Commission.

 

Lindsay Miller, FHRLP Treasurer, thanked the underwriters and sponsors including the founding organizations, session sponsors and businesses that help fund the eight-session experience.  CORVIAS Military Living/Riley Communities received special recognition as the lead class 2023-24 underwriter.  

 

Brandon French, FHRLP Alumni coordinator, honored a score of alumni that have joined the Lifetime Dues honorary for perpetual support of the program.

 

Program Executive Director, Jack Lindquist summarized the profile of the selected emerging leaders of the 2023-24 class, “The class members selected represent the success of collaborations, cooperation, bipartisanship, service, partnerships, commitment, teamwork, tenacity, and perseverance. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

 

In conclusion of the event Lindquist added, “We will keep the public tuned into the progress of the training experience through news and social media sources as we take the 2023-24 class through the steps to discover their role alongside key leaders that represent the bridge to a brighter pathway and future for our region.”

 

Learn more from the program website www.fhrlp.org and Facebook posts that will share more details about the curriculum and accomplishments of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, and photos of each class of alumni dating back to the first 1993-94 class.

-30- 

*The new members of 2023-24 class are listed on the link.

FHRLP Class of 2022-23 Update

A recap of the FHRLP CELEBRATION event, class of 2022-23 was conducted on February 6 on the GMCF Community Hour. Host Dave Lewis, Ad Astra Podcasts, interviewed Jack Lindquist, Executive Director and Paul Schliffke, class graduate. The other topics included an Alumni update and application tips for the 2023-24 class offering.

Thanks to KMAN NEWS for the archived audio file:

#greatermanhattancommunityfoundation

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 Sherriff’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  

—–

Support for FHRLP

The Riley County Commission voted today to sponsor FHRLP at the $1,000 level this year and in the future, according to Vivienne Uccello, Riley County Public Information Officer.

“This support for the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program will be considered an outside agency request as part of Economic Development and will have a line in next year’s proposed budget. The expenditure is something the current Commission hopes to support for years to come.”

RILEY COUNTY now joins the investments from program underwriters and sponsors contributing over the past 30 days for the 2022-23 class including: The Geary County Commission; City of Manhattan, City of Junction City; City of Wamego; The Greater Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; Central National Bank and Bank of the Flint Hills.

In-kind support is also pledged by WABAUNSEE COUNTY & WABAUNSEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

~30~

GMCF Community Hour 5/16/22

Listen to the GMCF Community Hour segment about the FHRLP class of 2022-23 Update and Application briefing with Dave Lewis and Jack Lindquist HERE (audio mp3 file)

FHRLP Class of 2022-23 Open through July 16

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 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~

February 4, 2022
FHRLP Adds WABAUNSEE County to Programming

Presentation Ceremony Image.jpeg

Wabaunsee County has been added to the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, joining the original host counties of Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie.  Pictured at the Wabaunsee County Courthouse ceremony are (l-r) Jim MacGregor COL (Ret), WB Economic Development Director; Commission Chair Joel Fager; Jack Lindquist, FHRLP Executive Director; and Commissioner Nancy Hier

Background:
During the fall of 2021, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program board meeting included the reoccurring discussion of area leaders 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 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.
 ~30~

Class of 2021-22 Graduates

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.”

We are pleased to share the photos from the camera crew from last evening.

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzBezS

We are excited to see the 2021-22 Class Project in process this spring!

And, you’ll love the marketing teams presentation:

Follow us on Facebook!

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Class of 2020-21 Completes Course

Class of 2020-21 Composite 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

——-

August 28, 2020

FHRLP Class of 2020-21 Selected

The board of directors for the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is pleased to announce the members of the 2020-21 class offering. Class members were introduced to one another during a ZOOM conference meeting August 27.

In the class introduction, Executive Director Jack Lindquist said, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is based in the north central Flint Hills and Kaw Valley. Over the past several years the area was the fastest growing region of our state. Given our current state-of-affairs during the COVID19 Pandemic, we have never had more opportunity or greater need for well informed, collaborative, decisive leadership. That is possible through our 21st Century proactive servant leadership development process.”

Each participant will learn more about the region and will meet the present and future leaders of surrounding communities. The 2020-21 Class members live within or work at Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties.  They are:

 Zach Bayless – Manhattan, Recreation Supervisor for Arts & Humanities, City of Manhattan Parks & Recreation; Tara Claussen – Manhattan, CEO / Director, Konza United Way; Kevin Dickerson – Riley, Facilities Director, Corvias Property Management; Paul Eichem – Wamego, Sales Coordinator, Purple Wave Auction; Aubrey Evans – Dwight, District Manager, Riley County Conservation District; Florence Ewing – Junction City, Leasing Consultant, Corvias; Fanny Fang – Manhattan, Owner/Partner, Asian Market LLC; Ben Fisher – Manhattan, Air Traffic Controller, DPTMS Air Traffic Control at USAG Fort Riley; Pamela Green Nealey – Manhattan, Director of Operations, Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan; Aaron Harrop – Manhattan, ASAP Program Manager, US Army DHR, Fort Riley; Julia Henning – Manhattan,Medical Marketing and Outreach Specialist, HR Div., Irwin Arm Community Hospital, Fort Riley; Sarah Keatley –Wamego, Alumni Events and Affairs Coordinator, KSU College of Veterinary Medicine; Tammy Melton – Junction City, City Clerk, Junction City; Jeff Miller – Manhattan, Restaurant General Manager, McAlister’s Deli; Tim Morgan – Chapman, Lead Physical Security Specialist, Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Riley; Dawn Munger – Manhattan, Museum Curator of Collections, Riley County Historical Museum; Michael Solida – Wamego, Customer Solutions Manager, EVERGY; Mariah Wheaton – Junction City, Guest Experience Director, Rock Spring 4-H Center; Levi Whitebread – Junction City, Sergeant, Junction City/GE Co. Drug Operations Group, JC Police Department; Sharonté  E. Williams – Junction City, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

Sessions for the selected class members are held throughout the region with Orientation beginning in Junction City in 3 weeks. The sessions follow every 3 weeks with graduation in February.

Manhattan Fire Department Deputy Chief and Board Chair Ryan Almes added, “The 2020-21 class experience will be different given the current pandemic restrictions. We will incorporate all recommendations from our Health Departments and follow their protocols. Sessions will be modified to meet safely. Well informed, strategic thinking servant leaders have never been more greatly or so desperately needed. 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.     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 will follow all CDC and local recommendations for health screening, mandatory mask wearing and sanitation practices. To help with distancing the class count has been ‘right sized’ to 20, a 33% reduction in the class size we have adopted over the past several years.  Classroom and tour opportunities will include distance spacing for all segments of each session as well.”

Dave Lewis, Producer for the event, concluded the ZOOM call saying, “Thank you in advance for your dedication and willingness to participate in the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic and recovery period. This phenomenal group of regional leaders the board members have had the privilege to form WILL make a difference as we advance through these uncharted waters.”

-30-

Watch the ZOOM announcement here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/tdUsIp76rj5JUNbh7V-cB68RIpq4eaa82iNL86dYyxkfhdC9gd4yUtyP-ffy3kCO           Passcode: aj&Ll4@q 

FHRLP CLASS OF 2020-21 SELECTED WITH REFOCUSED MISSION

Is your community waiting for a superhero? Or is your community interested in developing several leaders for the challenges ahead?  The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program was formed and has renewed its dedication to do just that.

Shared leadership theories advance the idea that leadership isn’t defined by the individual or their position of authority, but rather what a team of leaders might accomplish.

This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for sound visionary leadership.  The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective.“

How will the 2020-21 class be different given the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions?     We will incorporate all recommendations from our Health Departments and follow their protocols.  Sessions will be modified to meet safely.

Well informed, strategic thinking servant leaders have never been more greatly or so desperately needed. 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.     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 will follow all CDC and local recommendations for health screening, mandatory mask wearing and sanitation practices.  Classroom and tour opportunities will include distance  spacing for all segments of each session as well.

What do you hope these leaders get from these sessions?      “The annual program develops the leadership skills necessary to help the Flint Hills Region sustain the area as the best place in Kansas to live, work & raise families.  Not only will they develop a lifelong network of friends and working relationships within their class but a greatly broadened approach to problem solving because of that groups diversity.”

The 2020-21 class members will be announced August 28.

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

——-
FHRLP BOARD RELEASE:

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program application period for the 2020-21 class offering is open May 15 ‪through July 16. ‬

Why is it important?

“The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is based in the north central Flint Hills and Kaw Valley. Over the past several years the area was the fastest growing region of our state. Given our current state of affairs during the COVID19 Pandemic, we have never had more opportunity or greater need for well informed, collaborative, decisive leadership. That is possible through our 21st Century proactive servant leadership development process.”

What do participants gain from the experience?

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership program develops and motivates future leaders with special emphasis on:

1.) Awareness of regional strengths and resources.

2.) Economic development and building entrepreneurial spirit.

3.) Encouragement of friendships and networking between persons from all parts of the region to eliminate destructive parochialism.

4.) Understanding and commitment to Servant Leadership.

5.) Acquisition of 21st Century Leadership skills.

6.) Completion of a class project.

Each participant will learn more about the region and will meet the present and future leaders of surrounding communities.

Who is Qualified?

The non-profit educational program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders that live in and/or work in the region that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley, and Pottawatomie counties.

What do participants gain from the training sessions, leadership exposure and classmate interaction?

Alumnus Sample Response: “I became acquainted with people whose paths I would’ve never crossed and developed lasting relationships. Despite living in the area since the mid-1990’s, there were so many things I learned about the Flint Hills region and why it is such a vital area to the Sunflower State. Our sessions brought to light new methods of teamwork and personal growth. I truly feel a greater bond to this area because of my experience and interaction with the individuals, businesses and government agencies who give of their time to help develop better leaders. This opportunity cemented the importance of being involved in our communities and region.”

What is the cost?

Sessions are Underwritten through generous support from our hosts and a group of dedicated business leaders. Tuition covers the remaining costs.

Tuition is normally $600 payable after selection. But, during the COVID-19 Pandemic and recovery period, the FHRLP board of directors has accessed an internal grant from endowment funds to reduce tuition by 50%, making it $300. For nominees and applicants from non-profit organizations, the Ailleen Cray Memorial Scholarship Fund, made possible thanks to alumni dues, will provide an additional 50% scholarship. This additional support will reduce costs for non-profit candidatesand non sponsored candidates to a tuition fee level of $150. This effort will provide greatly needed assistance to all class members accepted.

How do people learn more and apply?

Instructions and program details are available on the site as well as the form for application. The on-line form must be submitted ‪before July ‬17. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about the program by visiting the website:

http://www.fhrlp.org

When do activities for those selected get underway?

Following selection the next class members will be introduced in late August. Sessions for the selected class members are held throughout the region beginning 3 weeks later. The 7 sessions follow every 3 weeks with graduation in February.

What are the session objectives?

Orientation retreat – mid September

Rock Springs State 4-H Center, Day 1

Learning Styles/True Colors/Team Building/SWOT Introduction

of “FINDING YOUR PURPOSE”

Junction City/ Geary County – Day 2

Team Leadership Opportunities, Case-in-point Tours

Pottawatomie County – early October

Community Collaboration – Adapting to Opportunities and Challenges

Kansas State University – late October

Visioning – Creating our future with Investment in Education/Research

Fort Riley – The 3rd week of November

Servant Leadership Conflict Prevention/Management – Threat Assessment /Negotiation Skills

Manhattan/Riley County – early December

Entrepreneurship –Infrastructure Investment

Topeka – mid January

Economic Literacy, Collaboration & Compromise Celebration

MANHATTAN (current rotation) CELEBRATION Session

“We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges!”

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Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

PO Box 1554

Manhattan KS 66505-1554

director@fhrlp.org

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https://facebook.com/fhrlp.org

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