Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas for 2023. Frequently referred to as the epitome of the American heartland, there is no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Kansas. As many people know, the state is famous for being the air and wheat capital of the world, a prominent beef supplier, and Dorothy’s home state in The Wizard of Oz. But what some may not realize is how much Kansas's economy is flourishing. In addition to its strong agriculture sector, the state also benefits from a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, energy, military, finance, manufacturing, and real estate, among others.
Central to this booming economy, there has been a notable rise in the representation of women in leadership positions, especially within leading companies located in Wichita and Topeka. Women now occupy prominent roles across diverse sectors, introducing fresh perspectives, innovative concepts, and inclusive decision-making approaches. This not only enhances organizational effectiveness but also fosters a more dynamic and thriving economy for the state of Kansas.
Among the honorees for this year, we have Rochelle Stringer, who serves as the General Counsel overseeing North, Central, and South America operations for Huhtamaki. In this capacity, Stringer is responsible for the management of all legal and corporate compliance affairs for 21 manufacturing facilities, encompassing approximately 4,500 employees and generating $1.5 billion in sales.
Another notable awardee is Raechel Peters, the President of BenefitsMe. With a background deeply rooted in marketing, Peters has garnered recognition from the Wichita Business Journal as a nominee for the 40 Under 40 award and is now a distinguished member of the 2023-2024 WBJ Career Women cohort. This year's honors also extend to Pamela Breuckmann, who currently holds the positions of CEO and President at Ferrell Capital. Prior to her tenure at Ferrell in 2007, Breuckmann served as the Chief Financial Officer for a specialty finance company with a $500 million loan portfolio.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas for 2023.
1. Taryn Owen
President & CEO, TrueBlue
Taryn R. Owen assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer and was appointed as a Director of TrueBlue in September 2023, after serving as president and chief operating officer of TrueBlue since 2022. Over her 13-year tenure, she has led TrueBlue through significant periods of growth, was instrumental in its pandemic response and recovery, spearheaded its digital transformation strategies, and successfully led several acquisitions and substantial international expansion.
Previously at TrueBlue, Owen served as executive vice president of TrueBlue. She also served as president of PeopleReady and PeopleScout from 2021 to 2023, executive vice president and president of PeopleReady from 2019 to 2021, and executive vice president and president of PeopleScout from 2014 to 2019. Prior to these roles, she served as senior VP of global operations and as VP of client delivery at PeopleScout.
Owen has more than 20 years of talent acquisition experience. Before joining TrueBlue, she was an operations director at Randstad Sourceright Solutions, where she led global RPO engagements. She formerly served as a member of the Board of Advisors of HRO Today, and as a member of the Human Capital Industry Advisory Board for Wharton’s Center for Human Resources. Owen has been recognized for her industry leadership, including annual appearances on the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Staffing 100 and Global Power 150. Owen graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with an undergraduate degree in human relations and management.
2. Tracey Biles
Chief Mission Integration Officer, Ascension
Tracey Biles is the Chief Mission Integration Officer of Ascension. She first joined the company in 2020. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the US, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.
Previously, Biles was a vice president of mission at Mercy and before that a vice president at Pride Philanthropy. Earlier in her career she worked with Missouri State Senate as a communications officer. Biles earned a master's degree in healthcare mission from Aquinas Institute of Theology, an MA in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, and an undergraduate degree in communication from Berry College.
3. Malinda Bryan-Smith
Executive Director, Grants Leadership & Development, Johnson County Community College
For most of her career, Malinda Bryan-Smith has developed or managed grants awarded by federal, state, or local government agencies, as well as private foundations and financial institutions.
Prior to joining the grants leadership & development team, she was a small business consultant and then regional director at the JCCC Kansas Small Business Development Center. As the marketing director and consultant at the Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Malinda marketed ECJC services and assisted entrepreneurs with their marketing needs. At Yellow Freight System, she conducted marketing research and gathered competitive intelligence in the strategic market planning department.
Smith earned an MBA and a BS degree from the University of Kansas. In between degrees, she worked as a recreation & parks director for the City of Brush, Colorado. A native Kansan, Smith grew up in the southwest part of the state on the family farm, which is now in its fifth generation. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Overland Park with their dog Otto.
4. Melissa Valenzuela
VP, Practice Director, Robert Half
Melissa Valenzuela began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the VP Practice Director of Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with opportunities at great companies. It offers contract, temporary, and permanent placement solutions for roles in finance and accounting, technology, marketing, and creative, legal, administrative, and customer support. Named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For® lists and a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity, Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®. Robert Half is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and is a member of the S&P 500 index.
Valenzuela first got her start in 2006 as a marketing manager at CARSTAR. Valenzuela graduated from the University of Central Missouri with an undergraduate degree in business administration, management, and marketing.
5. Shannon Stites
Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO, North America, Huhtamaki
Shannon Stites began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO of North America at Huhtamaki, a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling well-being and convenience. Its innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensure hygiene and safety and help prevent food waste. It embeds sustainability in everything it does. It is committed to achieving carbon-neutral production and designing all our products to be recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2030.
Stites first got her start in 1993 as a senior in assurance services at EY. Stites graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s in accounting and an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
6. Charlene Wilson
Vice President, People & Culture, H&R Block
Charlene Wilson is the Vice President of People & Culture of H&R Block. H&R Block’s purpose is simple: To provide help and inspire confidence in their clients and communities everywhere. It has been true to that purpose since brothers Henry and Richard Bloch founded their company in 1955. Since then, it has prepared approximately 800 million tax returns and grown to have approximately 12,000 offices throughout the United States and around the world. It knows that tax needs and situations change from year to year. That’s why it offers new and innovative ways to prepare and file taxes so clients can choose what suits them best. Wilson has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining H&R Block, Wilson was a labor and employment attorney at Fisher & Phillips, and before that a labor and employment attorney at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with DLA Piper as a labor and employment attorney. Wilson graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law with a JD in law, and from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis with an undergraduate degree in political science.
7. Jane Mandigo
Senior Vice President, Swiss Re
Jane Mandigo is currently a Senior Vice President with the Swiss Re P&C Business Management Claims division, holding the title of Senior Claims Expert as well. In her role, she consults on issues relating to reinsurance coverage and maintains primary responsibilities for identifying and assessing emerging topical and risk trends for Swiss Re.
Prior to her Senior Claims Expert position, Mandigo was a chief product underwriter for primary professional liability lines of business. She also handled complex professional liability claims across various lines for many years. Before joining Swiss Re, Mandigo practiced with the insurance defense group at the Kansas City law firm of Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy. Mandigo served a two-year term as a federal judicial clerk in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Southern Division, for the Honorable Russell G. Clark. She is a member of the Missouri Bar and graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law where she held positions on the Missouri Law Review and Order of the Coif. Jane graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drury College with a degree in English.
8. Angela Hoffman
Senior Vice President of Finance, Governments & Environment Sector Finance Officer, Black & Veatch
Angela Hoffman serves as the head of Black & Veatch’s global finance & administration team supporting the Water Business. During her 27 years with Black & Veatch, Hoffman has engaged in various financial leadership roles across the organization in both Corporate (treasurer, VP of finance) and other business roles in Power Delivery, Telecom, and Water UK (based in London).
Hoffman received an undergraduate degree in business and accounting from Emporia State University, and holds an MBA in finance from Rockhurst University. Before joining Black & Veatch, Hoffman was a senior financial analyst at Knight Ridder Business Information Services and an audit senior at Laventhol & Horwath.
9. Laura Lopez
Executive Director, American Heart Association | American Stroke Association
Laura Lopez is the Executive Director of American Heart Association | American Stroke Association. She first joined the company in 2011 and led Kansas City’s Go Red for Women fundraising campaign. As the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization. American Heart Association’s purpose is to help Americans live heart health and prevent America's No. 1 and No. 5 killers, heart disease and stroke. It advocates good health and promotes positive behaviors, nutritious eating habits, and healthy lifestyles. It also funds cutting-edge research and professional education programs. It promises to have an extraordinary impact on life by empowering loved ones to save lives, live healthier, and enjoy more peace of mind about cardiovascular health.
Previously, Lopez was a fund development manager at Swope Health Services and before that a director of development at UCP of Greater Kansas City. Earlier in her career she worked with The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce as a membership coordinator. Lopez earned an MPA in nonprofit management from Park University and an undergraduate degree in communication and sociology from Pittsburg State University.
10. Olivia Law-Delrosso
Assistant Dean, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, K-State College of Business
CEO, Building Belonging Consulting
Dr. Olivia Law-DelRosso is the Assistant Dean, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, K-State College of Business. In this role, she has established strategies to foster belonging for all in the College of Business. One key program is Rise Up, a scholar's program which propels students to a successful career while celebrating their diverse identities and cultures. The program is designed to serve business students who identify with a systemically marginalized and underrepresented group; however, all are welcome to join. Scholars receive perks including scholarships, leadership training, and corporate trips. 100% of Rise Up Scholars have an internship and full-time job offer before graduation!
In addition, Dr. Law-Delrosso is the CEO of Building Belonging Consulting. The company facilitates bridge-building for people and organizations and is committed to moving beyond the confines of 'us' versus 'them', to a world where everyone belongs. In this way, it is working to bring that world into being. It recognizes that what it is doing is both necessary and on its own insufficient to its broader goal of transforming the world.
Before joining Building Belonging Consulting, Delrosso was a director of K-State Business: Professional Advantage at Kansas State University. Delrosso graduated from Kansas State University with a PhD in student affairs in higher education, an MPA in public administration and personnel management, and an undergraduate degree in psychology.
11. Nancy Hintz
President, Thrivent Member Network and Manager of Engagement, Thrivent
Nancy Hintz began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is the President of Thrivent Member Network Heartland & Kansas/Missouri Regions and Manager of Engagement of Thrivent. At Thrivent, they perform the work that matters and are reimagining financial services in ways that help individuals and communities thrive. With the belief that money is a tool, not a goal, they help over 2 million clients make the most of all they’ve been given through financial advice, insurance, investments, banking, and generosity programs. As a Fortune 500 company with a 100-year legacy, Thrivent is committed to helping people build their financial futures and live more generous lives in their communities and beyond.
Hintz graduated from The University of Kansas with an MPA in public administration and not-for-profit management, and from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree in political science and government, history, and English literature.
12. Michelle Boylan
Chief Quality Officer, Veterans Administration
Michelle Boylan began her professional career 39 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Quality Officer of the Veterans Administration. The VA has renewed its focus to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all Veterans and employees. The VA’s new mission statement reflects a new VA that is intent on creating an environment where all have equitable opportunities to thrive, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and underserved populations.
Boylan first got her start in 1984 as an officer nurse corps at the US Army. From there, she went on to the University of Colorado Hospital, before eventually rising to system director of quality and performance improvement at Good Shepherd Health System, her most recent position prior to joining the Veterans Administration. Boylan graduated from Webster University with an MA in management organizational development, and from Marquette University with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
13. Kim Green-Kerr
Senior Vice President Business, Sales & Operations, US Cellular
As Senior Vice President of Business, Sales, and Operations, Kim Green-Kerr is responsible for driving revenue and customer growth, creating competitive differentiation in diverse industries and markets, and providing strategic direction for the company’s enterprise and government sales organization. In this role, she fortifies cross-functional collaboration, streamlines processes by advancing continuous improvement efforts, and ensures that the company meets its long-term goals while delivering a positive customer experience. Prior to joining US Cellular, Kerr spent 24 years at Sprint, most recently serving as senior vice president of business solutions, where she led a team of 2,000 sales professionals, including indirect partners, inside sales, and field sales personnel across all Sprint Business segments and channels of distribution.
Kerr earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and public affairs from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Georgetown University in Washington DC. She is a 2019 Gold Stevie Award Winner for being a Leader in Transforming Customer Engagement and was also named to Connected World’s 2019 Women of M2M and IoT, recognized as a 2018 Top 100 Global Sales Leader by The Modern Sale, and received the Women Who Mean Business award from the Kansas City Business Journal.
She is currently on the board of directors for the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) and a member of the board of directors for the Central and Northern Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross.
14. Janet Thompson
Executive Vice President, CBIZ
Janet Thompson has over 30 years of experience in employee benefits and specializes in the design and administration of defined benefit and defined contribution plans. She is an Executive Vice President at CBIZ and serves as relationship manager for many of the firm’s defined benefit and defined contribution clients.
Previously, Thompson was an owner of The Cottonwood Group, managing director of the Kansas City office of Palmer & Cay, and a partner with DeFrain Mayer. Prior to joining DeFrain Mayer in 1989, Thompson was manager of the Kansas City office of the Alexander & Alexander Consulting Group. She has also held prior consulting and administrative positions with Business Men’s Assurance Company (BMA), Fringe Benefits Design (FBD), and Deferred Compensation Administrators (DCA), a Minneapolis-based firm.
Thompson received an undergraduate degree in social welfare from the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and has earned the designation of Certified Pension Consultant. Thompson serves on the CBIZ Retirement and Investment Solutions Actuarial Executive Board and Steering Committee. She was a 2011 honoree of The Women’s Foundation of Kansas City's “A Celebration of Women” and was recognized in 2012 by the Kansas City Business Journal as one of its 25 “Women Who Mean Business”. She is a past member of the Executive Board of CBIZ Women’s Advantage (CWA) and sits on the CWA Business Development Team.
15. Vanessa Zambo
Chief Marketing Officer, Terracon
Vanessa Zambo began her professional career 26 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Marketing Officer of Terracon. Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing quality services to clients. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon has achieved significant expansion through both internal growth and acquisitions. Terracon currently has more than 6,000 employees in more than 175 locations nationwide. Additionally, they partner with their US clients to serve their international needs. Terracon’s growth is due to dedicated employees who are responsive to clients, provide quality services, and take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace.
Zambo first got her start in 1997 in marketing at Turner Construction Company. From there, she went on to HDR. Zambo graduated from The University of Kansas with an MBA in international business and a master's in journalism in marketing and communications.
16. Kathy Madzey
Vice President, Marketing, Textron Aviation
Kathy Madzey is the Vice President of Marketing at Textron Aviation. Textron Aviation inspires the journey of flight. For more than 90 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered its collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for their customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer, and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on their legendary performance, reliability, and versatility, along with their trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive, and flexible flights. Madzey has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Textron Aviation, Madzey was a brand and communications manager at Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, and before that a senior global manager at Payless ShoeSource. Earlier in her career she worked with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a campaign manager. Madzey graduated from Newman University with an undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, and speech.
17. Julianna Rieschick, RN, MSN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Medical Center
Julianna Rieschick is the Chief Nursing Officer of Providence Medical Center. Rieschick has 20 years of leadership experience in nursing and healthcare.
Rieschick came to Providence from Via Christi Hospitals Wichita Inc. where she had been vice president of Nursing of Ascension Via Christi Hospital (St. Francis), and previously as an administrator of nursing and patient care. Earlier in her career, she was the director of the surgical unit and Joint Care at Mercy Regional Healthcare Center in Manhattan, Kansas.
Rieschick’s educational accomplishments include a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Kansas Medical Center and a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Emporia State University. Rieschick is the President of the Kansas State Board of Nursing Directors and is a past board member of the Girl.
18. Carrie Ohm
VP of Corporate Development, OneDigital | Retirement + Wealth, OneDigital
Carrie Ohm is the VP of Corporate Development, OneDigital | Retirement + Wealth of OneDigital. OneDigital’s team of fierce advocates helps businesses and individuals achieve their aspirations of health, success, and financial security. Its insurance, financial services, and HR platform provides personalized, tech-enabled solutions for a contemporary work-life experience. Ohm has 18 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Before joining OneDigital, Ohm was a director of business development and strategic partnerships at Prime Capital Investment Advisors and before that a senior recruiting manager at Waddell & Reed. Ohm graduated from Kansas State University with an undergraduate degree in personal financial planning.
19. Stephanie Spradling
VP, Manager of Operations and Client Services, IMA Financial Group
Stephanie Spradling began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the VP, and Manager of Operations and Client Services at IMA Financial Group, an integrated financial services company dedicated to protecting assets and making a difference. IMA, Inc. is a retail insurance broker ranked amongst the top 20 brokers in the United States. IMA offers a full range of risk management-related products with offices in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington. An Assurex Global and Worldwide Broker Network partner, IMA is part of a network of insurance professionals reaching over 80 countries.
Spradling first got her start in 2006 as an account representative at Liberty Mutual. From there, she went on to Hub International. Spradling graduated from Baker University with an undergraduate degree in business and marketing.
20. Jennifer Lindsey
Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, Corbion
Jennifer Lindsey was appointed Chief Marketing and Digital Officer in November 2022. Prior to that, Lindsey was VP of global marketing for Corbion leading the expansion of marketing insights, digital experience, strategic marketing, and marketing communications. Prior to her tenure with Corbion, Lindsey held leadership roles in marketing for Parnell Living Science focusing on osteoarthritis therapies and fertility synchronization for dairy cows, business and marketing leadership roles in DuPont Nutrition and Health, and Danisco Ingredients, global functional food ingredient companies. Lindsey started her career as a sensory and application scientist in the areas of flavor development and protein beverage product development before moving into business roles in product management and marketing. Lindsey holds a bachelor of science degree in food science & human nutrition with an emphasis in sensory and biochemistry.
21. Sheryl Wagner
Director of Accounting, Vice President, Principal, Terracon
Sheryl Wagner is the Director of Accounting, Vice President, and Principal of Terracon. She first joined the company in 1998. Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing quality services to clients. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon has achieved significant expansion through both internal growth and acquisitions. Terracon currently has more than 6,000 employees in more than 175 locations nationwide. Additionally, they partner with their US clients to serve their international needs. Terracon’s growth is due to dedicated employees who are responsive to clients, provide quality services, and take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace.
Previously, Wagner was an accounting supervisor at HNTB Corporation. Wagner earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Kansas State University.
22. Wendy Hill
Chief People Officer, Netsmart
As the Chief People Officer overseeing the Netsmart Culture and Talent team, Wendy Hill has been instrumental in driving the company’s unique people-centric and results-driven culture. She is responsible for aligning the company’s people strategy to meet business objectives and for nurturing the growth and development of internal talent.
Wendy joined Netsmart in 2019, bringing more than 17 years of experience in leading HR and talent management functions, with expertise in workforce planning, talent recruitment, and development initiatives that foster high-level performance across the entire organization. She also provides oversight and support to drive Netsmart’s DEI strategy, alongside responsibilities in culture and change management, associate wellness, engagement, and skill building.
Prior to joining Netsmart, Hill served as vice president of workforce strategy for Cerner, where she focused on executing and supporting the company’s global people strategy and business plan. Hill actively contributes to the community as a Board Member for Operation Breakthrough, a member of the University of Kansas School of Business’s Dean Advisory Board, and a Board Member of Digital Health KC. Hill holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Kansas. Wendy was born and raised in the Kansas City area and is married with two amazing daughters.
23. Lynne Murray
President, Baker University
Currently at Baker University, Murray is leading the $28 million Forever Orange campaign, which is the largest comprehensive campaign in the history of the institution. With over $25 million secured in gifts and pledges, this fundraising effort has brought in more than $3 million for new professorships, over $6 million in unrestricted gifts, and over $6.7 million for scholarship aid for deserving students. These gifts include a $1 million gift to establish the William Everett and Mary Ellen Mealman Endowed Chair of Business Leadership, and more recently a $1.5 million gift to support the Department of Biology and Chemistry. During her tenure as President, the endowment has grown by 12 percent.
Lynne Murray previously served as the vice president for development of international and alumni relations at Washington, DC-based Gallaudet University, the world’s only university for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. For more than 20 years, she has worked collaboratively with community organizations, initiating national and global partnerships, and spearheading fundraising efforts. As former vice president at Gallaudet, Murray was instrumental in setting the strategic direction for the university and securing private support to advance the institution. She worked closely with the board, president, and community to raise more than $79 million to support scholarships, faculty excellence, and academic programs.
At Georgetown University, Murray was a leader in the development and implementation of the 1789 Scholarship Imperative to raise $500 million. As a senior director for advancement, she played a key role in raising $317 million in total gifts from 2008 to 2010 and worked closely with the dean, president, and vice president of advancement to develop a comprehensive engagement strategy for the Mid-Atlantic region. Before Georgetown, Murray worked at Johns Hopkins in corporate and community relations. She also served as the director for Youth Service America, where she was recognized in 1994 by then-US President Bill Clinton for her leadership in creating awareness for youth service. Murray began her career in public television as a producer and on-air personality, winning 1992 three national public television awards for individual giving, on-air fundraising, and overall development. Murray earned her undergraduate degree in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins, and a Doctorate in Special Education Administration from Gallaudet.
24. Lynda Patterson
Senior Vice President, Sales - Logistics, Watco Companies LLC, Watco Supply Chain Services
Lynda Patterson is the Senior Vice President of Sales - Logistics of Watco Companies LLC; Watco Supply Chain Services. She first joined the company in 2014. Watco is an expert in all transportation services and logistics, serving customers since 1983 and being named as one of the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® by Newsweek. Watco’s integrated services provide customers with all modes of freight transportation; service in any market; transport of any material, commodity, or product; and customized supply chain solutions.
Previously, Patterson was a director of intermodal solutions at BNSF Railway and before that a director of ocean procurement and acquisitions at BNSF Logistics. Patterson earned an MBA in business from Baker University and an undergraduate degree in economics from Washburn University.
25. Leann Brown
Co-Founder and Vice President, The Well - Center for Hope
Leann Brown began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder and Vice President of The Well - Center for Hope. Imagine a place for healing that addresses the needs of the whole person. A place where one's mind, body, and spirit are addressed in the care. A place that provides the best counseling, programs, and spiritual supports woven into a personalized and team approach, all under one roof. The Well is that place. The Well offers holistic services that address the needs of the mind, body, and spirit while exploring the interconnectedness of all three.
Brown first got her start in 2005 as a human resources and training coordinator at Howard S. Wright Construction Co. From there, she went on to A-dec Inc., before eventually rising to organizational development manager at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, her most recent position prior to joining The Well - Center for Hope. Brown graduated from Indiana Institute of Technology with a PhD in Global Leadership, from Portland State University with an MS in adult education, and from Fort Hays State University with an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership.
26. Susie Morris
Vice President, Co-Head of Internal Sales, American Century Investments
Susie Morris is a trusted and well-respected sales leader with decades of diverse financial services sales experience. Skilled in all aspects of sales leadership including motivating staff, evaluating resources, and streamlining processes, Morris has been responsible for the performance and productivity of sales teams and new corporate initiatives.
Morris is Vice President of Strategy and Support for American Century Investments which entails leading teams that focus on innovation, new initiatives and helping create efficient processes within the sales teams including ETF Sales Specialists, Division Strategists, and Investment Analysis Specialist roles. Morris is also on the Global Leadership team for Accelerate, their women’s BRG as a Co-Founder and Co-Leader, and is a member of their firm's DEI Committee. She is also responsible for co-leading global sponsorships for Women in ETFs and is a volunteer and member of the NICSA Diversity Project.
Morris earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a marketing emphasis from Kansas State University. She holds securities licenses 7, 24, and 63. She earned her CIMA® from the University of Chicago and the C(k)P® from the UCLA Anderson School of Business. Morris is knowledgeable in investment solutions including ETFs, mutual funds, collective investment trusts, 529s, Retirement Plans, UCITS, separate accounts, and alternative investments.
27. Pamela Breuckmann
CEO & President, Ferrell Capital
Pamela Breuckmann is the CEO & President of Ferrell Capital where she is responsible for the daily operations of the company, ensuring the investment strategy is executed in addition to her finance, business analysis, and planning roles. Prior to becoming the CEO & President of Ferrell Capital, she was the chief financial officer. In 2013, Breuckmann was appointed to the board of Ferrellgas, Inc. which is the General Partner of Ferrellgas Partners, LP. Ferrellgas Partners, LP was one of the first master limited partnerships in the propane industry and today is the second largest propane retailer in the US with customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Before joining Ferrell in 2007, she was the chief financial officer of a $500 million loan portfolio specialty finance company and served concurrently as vice president of finance for the publicly traded financial services company parent. Breuckmann held the positions of accounting director and accounting manager at Kansas City Life Insurance Company from 2002 to 2005. She started her career in 1998 at Deloitte & Touche, LLP as an auditor. Breuckmann graduated from the University of Kansas with bachelor of science degrees in business administration and accounting. She also holds a master of accounting and information systems degree from the University of Kansas, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
28. Dawn Hill
Executive Director, Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care
Dawn Hill is the Executive Director of Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care. Homestead is a senior living community offering area seniors quality assisted living and memory care. Assisted living and memory care apartment homes are private and each resident can furnish their apartment home to their liking. Hill has 37 years of experience. She began her career in 1986.
Before joining Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care, Hill was a senior account executive at Great Plains Media Kansas and before that a realtor at McGrew Real Estate, Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Columbia Savings as a mortgage payoff department supervisor. Hill graduated from The University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and teaching.
29. Christina Beaird
Chief Marketing Officer, Professional Engineering Consultants
Christina Beaird is the Chief Marketing Officer of Professional Engineering Consultants. She first joined the company in 2021. Founded in 1965, Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) provides holistic solutions to its wide variety of clients. Their work takes them across the nation and around the world designing projects from highways to hospitals — water towers to wind turbines — stadiums to sidewalks — and everything in between. With offices spanning Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado, they employ more than 380 team members who collectively hold engineering licenses in all 50 states. PEC prides itself on energizing the communities around them, engineering lasting relationships, shaping the future, and guiding the way.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Christina has a track record of success in driving innovative marketing strategies and delivering results within the A|E|C (architecture, engineering, construction) industry. With nearly two decades of experience, she has a passion for creative problem-solving and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. She is the immediate past president of the Kansas City chapter of SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services).
Previously, Beaird was a marketing & business development manager at Henderson Engineers and before that a VP of marketing at Harmon Construction. Earlier in her career she worked with Baker University as a graphic designer. Beaird earned an MBA in marketing from Emporia State University, and an undergraduate degree in graphic design and studio art from McPherson College.
30. Cori Kohlmeier
President & Founder, Advantage Marketing
As President and Founder of Advantage Marketing, Cori is passionate about growing businesses through effective strategy. Cori’s efforts on behalf of the agency's clients have earned her recognition from the Wichita Business Journal, American Marketing Association Wichita Chapter, and Kansas Small Business Development Center. The agency focuses on multi-platform campaigns that influence digital, social, search engine optimization, reputation management, and traditional advertising on TV, radio, and billboards. The agency has long worked with social media influencers and has experience in the NIL space. She founded the company in 2013. The agency has grown year-over-year since its inception in 2013, continuing to earn clients' trust with marketing that works. In this year’s Wichita Business Journal listing of top marketing agencies, Advantage ranked #5 in the region. Client industries include financial, agriculture, travel and tourism, global aviation, education, and transportation to name a few. The Advantage Marketing team includes experts in creative design and digital storytelling. As a marketing agency its specializations include: TV, radio, print, billboard, Pandora advertising, YouTube advertising, display banners, video pre-roll, social/content marketing & SEO strategy.
Previously, Kohlmeier was a senior vice president at Mathur Media and before that a senior account executive at Sunflower Broadcasting. Kohlmeier earned an undergraduate degree in sports administration from Wichita State University.
When free, Cori is passionate about her family time, cooking delicious food, rowing, yoga, and other stress-relieving workouts. Cori is a lifelong Wichitan who graduated from Wichita State University and is a Shocker for life. She enjoys attending basketball games with her family and walking her four dogs.
31. Min. Nina Shaw-Woody
Executive Director, Kansas Family Advisory Network
Nina Shaw-Woody is the Executive Director of the Kansas Family Advisory Network. Kansas Family Advisory Network's mission is to promote the restoration of children, caregivers, and families through support, education, advocacy, training, and spiritual services with compassion and love. Kansas Family Advisory Network is to be a statewide network of caregivers and family advocates who partner and engage with families across state systems. Kansas Family Advisory Network's purpose is to initiate positive change in the lives of children, caregivers, families, community partners, and stakeholders through efforts based upon understanding, compassion, and love. Woody has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining the Kansas Family Advisory Network, Woody was a foster care home resource supervisor at St. Francis Community Services, and before that a case worker and specialist at DCCCA. Earlier in her career she worked with Kansas Children's Service League as a recruitment specialist. Woody graduated from Newman University with a master's in social work, and from Friends University with an undergraduate degree in organizational management and leadership.
Min. Nina is an ordained minister of the gospel, a licensed master social worker, as well as a veteran of the US Army. She specializes in engaging and collaborating with the family unit as a system, utilizing trauma-informed family-based therapy, and family enrichment training. She is also a professional consultant, as well as a conference and seminar speaker. Nina has a love and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families who desire to bring about positive change to impact their future. Many have heard Nina say that she felt like the "Saint Teresa" of child welfare as it gives her the ability to work and serve the "least of these", to speak before organizations CEOs and staff, and to Senators and Legislators on behalf of those who may be struggling across Kansas. Min. Nina is a wife, mother of 8, and grandmother of 22.
32. Betsy Sears
Executive Vice President - Laboratory Strategy and Sales, ExamOne, a Quest Diagnostics Co.
Betsy Sears has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance laboratory environment. She works closely with ExamOne’s laboratory operations, research and development, and medical and sales staff on client end-to-end strategic solutions, and supports insurance customers through a variety of presentations on laboratory, medical, and risk assessment topics.
Prior to joining ExamOne, Sears served as vice president and laboratory director of Osborn Laboratories for 14 years. She also has over 11 years of experience in clinical and hospital laboratory settings in New York City and Chicago, specializing in microbiology. Sears earned an undergraduate degree in medical technology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and a master’s degree in business management from Baker University.
33. Barb Cross
Vice President, Product & Strategy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Barb Cross began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Product and Strategy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and a not-for-profit health insurance provider serving more than one million members in 32 counties in greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri, Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Blue KC's mission is to provide affordable access to healthcare and to improve the health of its members.
Cross first got her start in 1993 as a change management consultant at Andersen Consulting. From there, she went on to Hallmark Cards. Cross graduated from The University of Kansas with an MBA in international business and from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in liberal arts and sciences.
34. Lacey Adams
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Community Choice Financial Family of Brands
Lacey Adams is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Community Choice Financial Family of Brands. She first joined the company in 2023. With online and in-store products and services across the country, Community Choice Financial Family of Brands offers customers, team members, and communities the power of choice. It knows there is strength in numbers, and its goal is to provide more financial solutions and more career opportunities to help support the communities where it does business.
Previously, Adams was a vice president of marketing at TMX Finance Family of Companies and before that an executive director of growth marketing at American First Finance. Earlier in her career she worked with High Touch, Inc. as a marketing coordinator. Adams earned an undergraduate degree in IMC and graphic design from Wichita State University.
35. Raechel Peters
President, BenefitsMe
Raechel Peters is the President of BenefitsMe, an innovative voluntary benefit company. BenefitsMe offers a purchasing assistance program that enables employees to utilize payroll deductions to buy merchandise now and pay over time. BenefitsMe offers access to electronics, appliances, home goods, and more, with flexible terms and no interest, making it a highly utilized enhancement to employee benefit packages. Raechel works with HR departments across the US to highlight the importance of financial wellness, offer financial literacy resources, and spark interest in introducing the BenefitsMe program to employees of all industries.
Raechel’s career is rooted in marketing, but her passion centers around helping others grow their careers. Identifying emerging leaders and taking them under her wing has been part of her legacy throughout her robust career. She seeks opportunities throughout the organization to expand her team’s involvement, visibility, and reach of influence. She intentionally builds teams that bring together diverse strengths, desire for growth, and determination to make an impact.
Throughout her career, Raechel specialized in CRM marketing with companies such as Signet Jewelers, Dave & Buster’s, American Apparel, and Gildan Activewear. Most recently, Raechel served as the senior vice president and head of marketing for Community Choice Financial, where she oversaw all marketing and branding initiatives for thirteen brands while leading ten teams across a variety of marketing and product development disciplines. Raechel has been recognized by the Wichita Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 nominee, was honored as a 2023 Women Who Lead in Marketing recipient, and is now a member of the 2023-2024 WBJ Career Women cohort. Raechel served as a senior board member for the Gift of Adoption Fund Texas Chapter, Mentor for The Thread: Women’s Leadership Collective, and is currently on the board for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Red Shoe Society Wichita Chapter.
36. Mahathi Reddy
CEO/Founder, A Golden World Inc.
Mahathi founded A Golden World Inc. her freshman year after seeing the impact COVID had on student education. She is planning to major in Data Science and Economics in college to continue exploring the intersection between technology and business. Mahathi has a strong passion for business and technology, and is currently serving as the Kansas DECA State President for over 1200 students across the state. DECA encourages business education and the practice of professionalism from a young age in order to maximize impact and growth in the future. Additionally, Mahathi is an alumna of the Young Entrepreneurs Program of KC and has worked at ProvenBase Inc. and C2FO as a Data Science and Marketing intern.
Mahathi created A Golden World Inc. with the goal of helping children who may not have access to tech education at their schools. The organization functions through tutoring students in basic coding skills and has designed a personalized curriculum for different age groups. Additionally, Mahathi’s organization has raised money and resources supporting humanitarian efforts for women’s education in rural India and war efforts in Ukraine. A Golden World partners with local businesses and libraries to help bring community-wide awareness to the necessity of supporting future generations.
Outside of her company, Mahathi has had a deep interest in Kuchipudi dance, Hindustani music, and piano as a way to connect to her heritage and practice art forms. She is also involved in the Femineers program at her school and has been a varsity tennis player through all four years. Mahathi is also a student and volunteer in Chinmaya Mission and is dedicated to cultural education and growth.
37. Trisha Madl
Human Resources Business Partner, Global Network and Technology, Verizon
Trisha Madl is the Human Resources Business Partner of Global Network and Technology at Verizon. Verizon Communications was formed on June 30, 2000, and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. It transforms how people, businesses, and things connect through innovative communications and technology solutions. Madl has 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining Verizon, Madl was a regional human resources manager at Treat America Food Services. Madl graduated from Pittsburg State University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and communication.
38. Lori Whetter
VP, Engagement Strategy Director, Grey Group
Lori Whetter began her professional career 18 years ago. Currently, she is the Vice President, Engagement Strategy Director of Grey Group. Grey Global Group ranks among the world's top advertising and marketing organizations, serving one-fifth of the FORTUNE 500 in 86 countries. Under the banner of "Grey Famously Effective Since 1917," it continues to break new ground in brand experience across every platform. Its award-winning work resonates in popular culture, makes brands famous, and creates lasting consumer connections.
Whetter first got her start in 2005 as an interactive marketing specialist at GlynnDevins Advertising and Marketing. From there, she went on to Zillner, before eventually rising to director of strategic planning at Intouch Proto, her most recent position prior to joining Grey Group. Whetter graduated from The University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in journalism, mass communications, and sociology.
39. April Shellhouse
Senior Director, Customer Marketing & Communications, US Hospital, Pfizer
April Shellhouse began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Director of Customer Marketing and Communications at the US Hospital of Pfizer, a leading research-based biopharmaceutical company. It applies science and its global resources to deliver innovative therapies that extend and significantly improve lives. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
Shellhouse first got her start in 2009 as a health policy project assistant at APCO Worldwide. Shellhouse graduated from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology.
40. Laura Guy
Director of Learning and Development, Merck
Laura Guy is the Director of Learning and Development at Merck. She first joined the company in 2017 as associate director of learning innovations. Merck is unified around its purpose: It uses the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, it has brought hope to humanity by developing important medicines and vaccines. It aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, it is at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. It fosters a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operates responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities.
Previously, Guy was a professional consultant at Empowered Solutions LLC, and before that a director of student media and communication professor at Garden City Community College. Earlier in her career she worked with St. Mary of the Plains College as a business manager. Guy earned an MS in communication studies from Fort Hays State University, and an undergraduate degree in mass communication from St. Mary of the Plains.
41. Melanie Millaway
Sr. Director, Investigations, Intelligence & Enterprise Security, PetSmart
In her role as Senior Director at PetSmart, Melanie Millaway leads programs to prevent fraud, mitigate brand risk, and protect both life safety and company assets. Millaway’s role encompasses a wide scope and is inclusive of several diverse business-critical disciplines: Internal Theft & Fraud Investigations, External/Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Investigations, e-Commerce/Digital Investigations, Pet Safety Investigations, and Enterprise Physical Security. She provides strategic leadership within the business that provides pet solutions to over 60 million pet parents, while serving over 55,000 associates and generating revenues close to $9.2B.
She is involved in several industry organizations and committees including – the American Society for Industrial Security’s (ASIS) Women in Security, Retail Industry Leader Association’s (RILA) Crimes Against Businesses Committee, and serves as a mentor in Women Inspiring Strength Excellence (WISE), an Associate Relations Group (ARG) at PetSmart. Throughout her career, Millaway has had the privilege of working with great leaders across all facets of PetSmart: DCs, Field/Stores, and the Phoenix Home Office. She is dedicated to professional development and places a high value on relationships and human connection. Her mantra is continuous improvement. Millaway earned an undergraduate degree in criminology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She holds the professional designation of Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) and Loss Prevention Certified (LPC). Millaway resides in Overland Park, Kansas with her significant other, Andie, three children, Jake, Nick, and Gabi, and several rescue pets.
42. Julie Cahill
Senior Director, Client Support, Cerner Corporation/Oracle Health
Julie Cahill is the Senior Director of Client Support at Cerner Corporation. Oracle Health is advancing health with better information. Oracle is committed to improving healthcare experiences for patients, clinicians, and payers by simplifying complex workflows and securely aggregating data. It believes that when it equips people with the information they need to make informed decisions, it can help improve outcomes and reduce the cost of care. This is by far the most critical undertaking in Oracle’s history.
Cahill has 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2008. Cahill graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an undergraduate degree in advertising.
43. Stacey Sparger
Director of Analytics, Wunderman Thompson
Stacey Sparger is the Director of Analytics at Wunderman Thompson. She first joined the company in 2022. In an ever-changing, complex, and uncertain world of rising consumer expectations and disruptive technology, brands need to move at the speed of culture when rising to the growth challenge. Wunderman Thompson is a growth partner – part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology company, its experts deliver inspiration across the entire brand and customer experience. Globally, it is 20,000 strong across 90 offices around the world. Its teams bring together creative storytelling, diverse perspectives, inclusive thinking, and highly specialized vertical capabilities, to drive growth for clients. It offers deep expertise across the entire customer journey, including communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology to provide end-to-end solutions that deliver revolutionary work.
Previously, Sparger was a director of marketing intelligence at POP and before that a director of analytics (CRM) at Shaw + Scott. Earlier in her career she worked with 3Gupload.com as a product marketing manager. Sparger earned an undergraduate degree in physiology from Indiana State University.
44. Kelly Hancox
Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Engineering Business Development, Garmin International
Kelly Hancox began her professional career 24 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Engineering Business Development at Garmin International.
Garmin does its best to make products that let its customers do what they love. To do that, it focuses on practical innovation, never losing sight of the benefits its products bring to its customers. It is not about the things it makes, it is about the things it makes possible.
Garmin has grown substantially over the years, offering diverse products and global reach in 5 diverse markets.
Hancox first got her start in 1999 as a marketing manager at Sprint. From there, she went on to the Junior League of Kansas City, MO. Hancox graduated from Kansas State University with an undergraduate degree in international business and marketing.
45. Rochelle Stringer
Vice President, General Counsel for Americas, Huhtamaki
Rochelle serves as a General Counsel for the North, Central, and South America operations of Huhtamaki. Huhtamaki is an industry-leading food packaging company with its global headquarters in Finland. Stringer manages all legal and corporate compliance matters for 21 manufacturing plants in the Americas, with approximately 4,500 employees and $1.5 billion in sales. As General Counsel for the Americas, she is part of the global legal management team and reports directly to the EVP and Group General Counsel. In this role, she provides legal counsel and guidance to local senior management. In addition to local support, she is directly involved with the Global Team for the legal aspects of the company's new emphasis on Sustainability and Innovation in its strategy. Her in-house practice includes management of all litigation, commercial contracts, environmental programs, acquisitions/mergers, product liability, intellectual property portfolio, and employment/labor matters.
Prior to joining Huhtamaki, Stringer was senior corporate counsel at Seaboard Corporation, a US-based international agri-business company. Stringer began her legal career as a corporate associate with the firm of Stinson, Mag & Fizze, PC with an emphasis on mergers & acquisitions and financial institutions.
Her professional and civic affiliations include the Women Who Mean Business 2015 (Kansas City Business Journal), the University of Missouri Business School Alumnae Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2019, she was elected as chair of the board for New House Women’s Shelter in Kansas City and has served on the Board since 2015. Stringer is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Business Administration. Stringer earned her Compliance and Ethics Officer certification in 2017, and she is licensed in Missouri and Kansas.
46. Jamie Shaffer
National Director, Enterprise Accounts, LHH
Jamie Shaffer is the National Director of Enterprise Accounts of LHH. She first joined the company in 2022. LHH end-to-end HR solutions future-proof organizations and careers all over the world. Through Advisory, Career Transition & Mobility, Learning & Development, and Recruitment Solutions, it enables transformation, and its job is never done because there’s always another tomorrow to prepare for. It makes a difference to everyone it works with, and it does so with local expertise, backed by a global infrastructure and industry-leading technology. LHH’s over 8,000 colleagues and coaches span 66 countries worldwide, working with more than 15,000 organizations, a majority of Fortune Global 500, and nearly 500,000 candidates each year. Together it addresses needs across the entire talent journey, helping organizations build their capabilities and individuals build brighter futures.
Previously, Shaffer was a national director at Ajilon and before that a client relationship representative at Kforce Technical Staffing. Earlier in her career she worked with Imagistics as a commercial sales representative. Shaffer earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and international marketing from Kansas State University.
47. Johnna Norton
Senior Director, Mount Carmel Foundation
Johnna Norton began her professional career 22 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Director of Mount Carmel Foundation. Mount Carmel Foundation serves together in the spirit of the gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within their communities. The Mount Carmel Foundation stewards contributions in support of the Mount Carmel Health System, bringing hope, healing, and compassionate healthcare to those in need. In extension, they share the same vision and core values as the Mount Carmel Health System.
Norton first got her start in 2001 as a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Jim Bishop & Associates. From there, she went on to Crawford County Realty, before eventually rising to director of alumni and constituent relations at Pittsburg State University, her most recent position prior to joining Mount Carmel Foundation. Norton graduated from Pittsburg State University with an MBA in management and an undergraduate degree in management.
48. B. Jan Middendorf, PhD
Associate Director, Kansas State University
B. Jan Middendorf serves as the Associate Director for the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification (SIIL) at Kansas State University (KSU). Middendorf provides executive-level coordination, management, programmatic and operational leadership, and guidance for the SIIL’s $75 million portfolio funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This portfolio includes projects in Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Honduras; four consortia; and human and institutional capacity-building initiatives in Cambodia, West Africa, and Haiti. Middendorf conducts research and leads SIIL’s impact assessment monitoring and evaluation efforts. She is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with other US and international institutions, industry, USAID Missions, and developmental partners. As part of these efforts, she develops and implements strategic planning and capacity-building initiatives to enhance collaborative research and support organizational change.
Prior to this role, Middendorf managed a $15.5M diverse portfolio focused on evaluation for the National Science Foundation (NSF). She also served for ten years as director of an evaluation center at KSU. Middendorf has over 30 years of experience in project development, management, implementation, and evaluation of multi-institutional, interdisciplinary programs and projects in national and international settings. Middendorf earned a BS in business administration at the University of Rhode Island, an MA in international affairs at Ohio University, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and Evaluation Practice at Kansas State University. Her primary interests are institutional and program improvement through strategic planning, change management, and evaluation. She has over 30 years of experience in project development, management, implementation, and evaluation of multi-institutional, interdisciplinary programs and projects in national and international settings.
49. Marcia Hornung
Menard Family Director, Center for Principled Business, Kansas State University
Marcia Hornung is a dynamic and versatile leader with a rich professional background spanning higher education, business, and nonprofit sectors. As the Menard Family Director of the Center for Principled Business at Kansas State University, she has earned recognition for her strategic leadership, program development, and community engagement skills. In her current role, Marcia has played a pivotal role in launching several signature programs at Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration. Under her leadership, the Center for Principled Business has flourished, focusing on fostering business leadership, innovation, and growth. Notable initiatives, including the Menard Family Scholars Program, the K-State Innovation Challenge, the K-State Women in Business Initiative, and the K-State Business Summer Institute, reflect her commitment to the next generation of business leaders.
Prior to her time with the College of Business, Marcia spent several years at the Staley School of Leadership where she taught various courses in leadership studies, facilitated a community leadership program, and developed and launched the Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows Program, honoring Hall of Fame Football Coach Bill Snyder.
Hornung holds a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Kansas State University. Hornung is very engaged in her community, where she has served as the Chair of the Social Services Advisory Board for the City of Manhattan, board member for the Leadership Manhattan Program, volunteered with United Way, serves as an outreach volunteer for JDRF, and several other community organizations.
50. Deena Kreutzer
Director, US Strategic Account Lead, Alexion Pharmaceuticals
Deena Kreutzer is the Director, US Strategic Account Lead of Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Alexion Pharmaceuticals' mission is to transform the lives of people living with rare diseases and devastating conditions through the development and delivery of innovative medicines, as well as through supportive technologies and healthcare services. By continuing to deepen its understanding of rare diseases, which began with its pioneering work in complement biology, it is able to innovate and evolve into new areas where there is great unmet need and opportunity to help patients and families fully live their best lives. Kreutzer has 28 years of experience. She began her career in 1995.
Before joining Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Kreutzer was an associate director of patient access and reimbursement of rare diseases at Shire, and before that a senior clinical business manager at Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Earlier in her career she worked with McNeil Consumer Healthcare as a professional sales representative. Kreutzer graduated from Webster University with an MBA and from Wichita State University with an undergraduate degree.