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30th Anniversary Class Announced

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has 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.” 

2023-2034 Class members included:

Holly Boice Junction City GE County Grant Specialist, Flint Hills Regional Council

Tiffany Cutting Manhattan RL County Manager, Varney & Associates CPA’s LLC

Israel Epping-Fuentes Manhattan PT County AVP Branch Manager, Bank of the Flint Hills

Vanessa Eymann Fort Riley GE County Leader and Workforce Development Specialist, DHR Fort Riley

Casey Frisbie St. George PT County Director of Public Works, Wamego

Amanda Gnadt Alma WB County Flint Hills Stone, Co-owner & Community Relations Dir.

Natalie Gordon Westmoreland PT County Director of Business Development and Client Engagement, Anderson Knight Architects

Jason Hasby Manhattan RL County Mobilization Plans and Operations Specialist DPTMS USAG Fort Riley

Tracy Henry Alma WB County Executive Director, Greater Morris County Development Corporation

Jennifer “JJ” James Manhattan RL County Public Affairs Specialist, USAG Fort Riley

Jackie Jones Manhattan RL County Security Manager, DPTMS, USAG Fort Riley

Michaela Joyce Manhattan RL County Executive Director Junction City Mainstreet

Jerry Kellum Manhattan RL County Program Analyst, Army DPW

Stephanie Maike Alma WB County 4-H Program Assistant / Office Professional, K-State Research & Extension: Wabaunsee County

Melissa McClure Manhattan RL County Garrison Operations Specialist, USAG Ft. Riley

Dustin Murphy Chapman DK County Investigations Lieutenant, Junction City Police Department

Patricia Pearson Junction City GE County Peer Mentor/Recovery Coach, Central Kansas Foundation

Jason Powell Wamego PT County Deputy Police Chief, Wamego Police Department

Michelle Seibel Manhattan RL County Senior Director of Human Resources, Florence Corporation

Jonathan Sumner Alta Vista WB County Corporal, Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office

Amanda Webb Manhattan RL County Planning Director, Riley County

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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.

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 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director

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

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.

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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  

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 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director