Bussiness
It’s Your Business has Cheri Faunce, Brittni K. Oehmke, Megan L. Jones and Rick C. Jackson
Hires
YWCA Northeast Kansas announced Cheri Faunce as its new CEO. Faunce brings to the organization a long career in public sector and nonprofit leadership, most recently as the vice president of development for SparkWheel. She officially starts her role on May 16. “Cheri’s demonstrated commitment to the work of equity and community building makes her the ideal person to step up to the position at this time,” said Gina Millsap, president of the YWCA Northeast Kansas Board of Directors. “We are excited about her vision and confident in her ability to lead the YWCA movement forward.” YWCA Northeast Kansas has grown tremendously in recent years, expanding programs in childcare, community violence prevention, racial justice, and the Center for Safety and Empowerment. Faunce’s first days coincide with the opening of a second shelter, which more than doubles current capacity to provide emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking. “YWCA Northeast Kansas has a long history of trailblazing the path to equity,” said Faunce. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside an exceptional team with an unwavering commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. By leveraging our collective expertise and passion, we will further position the YWCA for its next phase of growth and development.” Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring 2024 after serving in the role for eight years. Since that announcement, the board undertook an extensive recruitment process for her replacement led by the Moran Co.
Boards
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces several changes to its board of directors following its annual meeting May 9. Elected to new terms are the following:
- Brittni K. Oehmke, Hanover, is the CEO of Hanover Hospital and has been elected to a four-year term.
- Rick D. Baden, Olathe, is the executive vice president and chief financial officer for Watco Cos. LLC. and has been re-elected to a second four-year term.
- Amanda D. Huelskamp, Andover, is senior HRBP Enterprise Initiatives for VSE Corp and has been re-elected to a second four-year term.
- Gregory V. Binns, Hutchinson, is retired from First National Bank of Hutchinson and has been re-elected to a third four-year term.
- Megan L. Jones, Topeka, is founder and president of the Jones Advisory Group and has been re-elected to a third four-year term.
Rick C. Jackson, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as chair of the board. He is the executive vice president and chief lending officer of Capitol Federal Savings and joined the board in 2015. Megan L. Jones, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as vice chair. She joined the board in 2016. Other members of the board are Matthew D. All, Topeka; James H. Gilbaugh, Wichita; Leonard R. Hernandez, El Dorado; James A. Klausman, Topeka; Garrett T. Love, Montezuma; Jena K. Lysen, Wichita; Jeff D. Mullen, Wichita; Jeffrey R. Thompson, Salina; and Dr. Angela N. Wilson, Lawrence.
Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com.