FlagshipKansas.Tech, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing Kansas as a hub for technology and innovation, is pleased to announce its 2024 board of directors and officers as it celebrates a milestone anniversary. February 27, 2024, marks five years since FlagshipKansas.Tech held its kickoff event at the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita, where hundreds of tech professionals and community leaders converged to learn about the organization and its mission.

“FlagshipKansas.Tech is a catalyst for innovation to propel the Kansas tech industry forward,” said Ben Sebree, Chair of the FlagshipKansas.Tech Board. “Through its critical role, Flagship is facilitating connections to support tech education, workforce, and economic development.”

The governing board will be led by Chair Ben Sebree, SVP of R&D at CivicPlus – an international software provider founded in Manhattan, Kan., and Vice Chair Megan Harper, Director of Marketing & Sales at Twin Valley – the state’s largest independent broadband and communications company. Amanda Duncan, Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, will serve as Treasurer along with Tonya Knipp, Senior VP & Information Technology Manager for Emprise Bank, as Secretary.

Additional members of the board include:

Additionally, the advisory board was expanded significantly with 21 new members. A new committee focused on FlagshipKansas.Tech membership benefits and recruitment will be led by Steven Werner. Board member bios are available at flagshipkansas.tech/leadership.

“I was very pleased to see the level of interest in involvement for the Flagship board,” said Vice Chair Megan Harper. “Coming off the success of the second annual Ad Astra Technology Summit, we’re heading into 2024 with significant momentum and excitement around our mission. Our talented and diverse board will be an asset as we advocate on behalf of the Kansas tech industry.”

FlagshipKansas.Tech has had many successes in its five years, despite the pandemic hitting hard just a year after launching the organization. Some of the highlights include:

Technology companies continue to find themselves accelerating to meet current market needs and position themselves for the future. According to CompTIA, the tech industry makes a 10-billion-dollar impact on the Kansas economy and employs over 65,000 individuals across the state.

This year, FlagshipKansas.Tech will gain even more momentum in its efforts to raise awareness, attract and retain technology talent, and support technology workforce training and education initiatives in the state. Additionally, developing a positive climate in support of startups is essential for the growth of Kansas tech.

“I am so excited to carry out the FlagshipKansas.Tech mission, serve our members and be wildly disruptive in 2024,” said Conner Hampton, Executive Director. “The work we do across Kansas is not possible without the leadership from such an impactful and powerful Board of Directors.”

Those interested in learning more about FlagshipKansas.Tech’s mission, membership, and/or collaboration opportunities can contact Executive Director Conner Hampton at flagshipkansas.tech/contact.

FlagshipKansas.Tech holds its kickoff event at the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita, 2019.
Founding members of FlagshipKansas.Tech pictured with Steve Wozniak at the 2024 Ad Astra Technology Summit.

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