Since its founding in 2018, FlagshipKansas.Tech has championed the growth of Kansas’ tech ecosystem. Following a leadership transition in August 2024, the organization has been guided by a dedicated Governing Board and Advisory Board of volunteers. Together, this team brought together industry professionals, entrepreneurs and educators at the third annual Ad Astra Technology Summit featuring a lively chat with Bill Nye, The Science Guy, and multiple tracks discussing the future of technology, tech start-ups, tech education, and tech investment in Kansas.

Building on that momentum earlier this year, incoming board leadership set clear priorities and a roadmap for the future of the organization at its annual strategic planning session. Since then, our board has been hard at work defining priorities and mapping out the future. This fall, we’re excited to share our progress, preview what’s next, and announce new staff support to expand our capacity. 

Board Leadership 

To strengthen stability and advance important initiatives, the organization had previously extended board leadership terms to two years as vice chair, two years as chair, and added a one-year term for immediate past chair. In 2025, the governing board is led by Chair Megan Harper, Director of Marketing & Sales at Twin Valley. Harper is the first to complete the new two-year vice chair term and continues to co-chair the Ad Astra Technology Summit committee, a role she has held since the event’s inception. She is joined by Vice Chair Tonya Knipp, Senior Vice President and Information Technology Manager at Emprise Bank, bringing strong leadership and expertise to guide the organization’s work. 

Ben Sebree, SVP of Product Management at CivicPlus continues to support the organization in his role as immediate past chair. Amanda Duncan, Vice President & Chief Development Officer for the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, continues her role as Treasurer. And Thomas Papadatos, Senior Venture Investment Manager at Network Kansas, rounds out the executive committee as Secretary. 

Beyond its officers, the governing board includes respected leaders from both industry and education: 

• Ann Mah, former K-12 educator, Kansas legislator and board of education member 

• Dan Reisig, VP of Technology & Innovation at UV&S 

• Troy Tabor, Director of Innovation Intelligence at WSU’s College of Innovation 

• Steven Werner, CEO of Lawn Buddy 

• Jonathan Wiersma, VP of Product & Marketing for TrueRoll  

• Chris Wyant, Senior Project Manager of Automation at WSU Tech 

Committee Leadership 

FlagshipKansas.Tech’s work is powered by active committees, bringing together leaders from across the Kansas tech community to guide initiatives and move the mission forward: 

• Membership: Led by Dan Reisig and Steven Werner 

• Education: Led by Ann Mah, Chris Wyant and Dyane “Smoke” Smokorowski, Digital Literacy Coordinator at Wichita Public Schools 

• Workforce: Led by Troy Tabor 

• Awareness: Led by Jonathan Wiersma and Krissy Buck, Program Director of Shock Starter at WSU Tech 

• Ad Astra Technology Summit: Led by Megan Harper and Luis Rodriguez, President of TEC Systems Group 

Together, they bring invaluable expertise that powers the organization’s three pillars: raising awareness of Kansas’s tech industry, fostering workforce development and championing technology education across the state. Visit our Leadership page to learn more about each Governing Board and Advisory Committee member. 

Strategic Initiatives 

Earlier this year, the Governing Board approved a slate of strategic initiatives to define FlagshipKansas.Tech’s focus for 2025. Some of these initiatives are mission-driven, advancing tech industry awareness, workforce development, and education across Kansas, while others are foundational in nature, strengthening the organization’s operations and long-term sustainability. Committees are taking ownership of these initiatives, championing the work needed to turn strategy into impact. 

Key Initiatives 

• Tech Resource Guide: A go-to reference designed to support industry professionals, businesses, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and educators by connecting them with the benefits, tools, programs, and events that drive success. Watch for ways that you can contribute to this guide and boost awareness about how your business or organization supports the Kansas tech industry and tech education.  

• AI Workshops: In development now and launching fall 2025, practical AI-focused workshops will be offered statewide to help meet the growing workforce needs across Kansas. These workshops will feature community-based sessions for individuals seeking an entry to mid-level understanding of AI, as well as customized workshops designed for the specific needs of businesses and organizations. Companies can host sessions for employees, clients, or the general public, with opportunities to sponsor community events or organize private workshops — expanding access to the skills and knowledge needed to keep Kansas’ workforce competitive in the age of AI. 

• Ad Astra Technology Summit 2026: Building on the success of past events, the 2026 Summit will feature expanded programming, deeper industry insights, and enhanced opportunities for networking. To better serve educators and increase accessibility, the event will move from fall to late spring/early summer, with the exact date to be announced. This shift will allow even greater participation from educators, industry leaders, and community partners across Kansas. 

• Improved Member Onboarding & Ongoing Engagement: A refreshed onboarding experience designed to welcome new members, connect them with resources and industry events, and accelerate their engagement in the FlagshipKansas.Tech community. Details on member networking events coming soon with the first slated for October in Wichita.   

• Improved Member & Storytelling: Strengthening connections with members and the broader tech community through regular blog posts, email newsletters, and social media updates. 

Staffing Update 

The board is pleased to announce the hiring of Suzy Finn who will serve in a part-time role to support the critical initiatives needed to provide value to our members and advance the organization’s mission. Finn started as Program Coordinator on July 16, 2025. She will support board operations, provide accountability for execution on approved initiatives, increase marketing of the organization and its members, and serve as a primary point of contact for current and new/prospective members.  

Finn spent the past 7 years in K-12 education as the Marketing & Strategic Partnerships Supervisor for Wichita Public Schools. Prior to that, she spent almost 5 years at the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce working to attract and retain young talent through the Young Professionals of Wichita (now W – A Community of Young Professionals) as well as Community Advancement, Quality of Place, and Diversity & Inclusion programs. In her free time, Finn has been an active board member for local nonprofits including Music Theater Wichita, the Wichita Art Museum, Arts Partners Wichita, Greater Wichita YMCA Community Development Branch, and more. Most recently, she served as the President of the Kansas School PR Association, from which she learned the challenges and opportunities of leading a volunteer-only association.