Recruiting & Hiring
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative Board of Directors has selected Malea Hartvickson as the organization’s executive director effective Jan. 1. She was a program director leading one of KHC’s largest initiatives, the Health Quality Innovation Network. Previously, Hartvickson was a quality improvement adviser for KHC’s Practice Transformation Network, working with medical practices in the western and north central part of the state to help them continually improve health care quality and maximize patient safety. “Malea has dedicated her career to working with Kansas physicians and to ensure that all have access to the very latest evidence-based practices,” said Brian Williams, chair of the KHC board and president/CEO of Labette Health. Before joining KHC in January 2018, Hartvickson worked for 12 years at NMC Health in Newton. Hartvickson earned a bachelor of science in business administration and master of health care leadership degrees from Friends University in Wichita. She is also a certified patient-centered medical home certified content expert and a certified professional in healthcare quality.
Zach Kanicki has joined Shawnee County Parks + Recreation as aquatics supervisor. Kanicki will oversee SCP+R’s three major aquatic centers, four community pools and the Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove swimming area and floating playground. He holds a degree in kinesiology with a physical therapist assistant emphasis from Washburn University. He previously served as coordinator of the Capitol Federal Natatorium at Hummer Sports Park and served as assistant manager, head lifeguard and lifeguard at Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. Michael Swoboda has joined Shawnee County Parks + Recreation as adult sports manager. Swoboda will oversee sports leagues, including slow pitch softball, basketball and volleyball and adult soccer. A graduate of Seaman High School and Washburn University, Swoboda holds a degree in exercise physiology. He previously worked as a fitness manager for GreatLIFE KC.
Boma Ugwu, M.D., has joined Stormont Vail Health to practice as a psychiatrist, at 1133 College Ave., Suite E-110 Manhattan. Ugwu grew up in a family integrated in the health care field. She was convinced she wanted to become a doctor and care for patients just like her uncle. “As a teenager, I remember talking to one of the doctors in the hospital, and asking, ‘How do I get to do what you’re doing?’” Ugwu said. “He just said, ‘If you have the compassion, if you have the skill, just work hard and you’ll be here.’” Ugwu has called Kansas her home away from home for many years. She is excited to be in Manhattan as the new clinic opens and to be with her family exploring all the area has to offer. “I’m looking forward to welcoming patients into the clinic and I’m excited to do what I enjoy, which is caring for patients.” Ugwu completed her psychiatry residency at the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine in Wichita. Ugwu was named the KUMC Wichita Psychiatry Residency In-Training Examination Champion, she was also awarded for her excellence in both outpatient and inpatient Care and was given the KUMC Resident Award for Going Extra Mile.
Appointments
The NOTO Arts and Entertainment District has selected three new board members to start three-year terms.: Adam Rosdahl, chief process officer and founding co-owner at Norsemen Brewing Co.; Zac Pohlenz, association wealth adviser at Clayton Wealth Partners; and Martin Schlossman, senior vice president at Federal Home Loan Bank. The officers of the NOTO Board are Jon Bohlander, chair; Matt McGivern, chair-elect; Kay Grey, treasurer; Claudia Larkin, secretary; and Mike Foster; past-chair. The NOTO Board helps guide the organization in meeting its mission to function as a community partner focusing on enhancing the quality of life for the region by encouraging and facilitating development of the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.
The Topeka Community Foundation has elected two new board members for three-year terms: Tracy Khounsavanh Killough, director of community engagement at Advisors Excel; and Brian Lang, CEO, SSC CPAs & Advisors. Stephen Wade, budget and performance manager for the City of Topeka was elected to a second three-year term. Board officers include Tara Dimick, chair; Keith Warta, vice chair; Shelly Buhler, secretary; Barry Feaker, assistant secretary; Brad Owen, treasurer; and Pam Alexander, immediate past chair. Beginning its 39th year, the Topeka Community Foundation manages $100 million in assets and more than 400 funds created by individuals, families, businesses, civic and nonprofit organizations. The mission of the Topeka Community Foundation is to connect donors with their interests and community needs, increase charitable giving in the community, provide leadership on key community issues, and ensure stewardship and accountability for effective community investment of donor dollars.
The Topeka Public Schools Foundation announced new board members Rodney Harmon and Johanna McDaniel. Harmon is a retired corrections officer and community volunteer. McDaniel is an AVP and trust officer at CoreFirst Bank & Trust. Foundation board officers are Janel Johnson, president; Megan Martin, vice president & event chair; Miranda Carmona, secretary; Ethel Edwards, nominating committee chair; and Mark Carr, TPSF Investment Committee representative. Pamela Johnson Betts serves as the Foundation’s executive director.
Company changes
Peterson Publications Inc. has announced a change to its company name and is now known as Peterson Media Group Inc. The new name reflects changes in the publication business over the past several years and acknowledges the company’s expansion into other areas of multimedia communication, including digital production and advertising. “The publishing business has changed a great deal since we started the company in 1992,” said Peterson Media Group president Jeff Peterson. “We have evolved, not only developing focused editorial and advertising content for print magazines but also offering online issues, enewsletters, websites, webinars and digital advertising to provide impactful information to our audiences in multiple formats.” In addition to the name change, Peterson Media Group has announced the promotion of Becky Arensdorf to vice president, design and Dianna Brodine to vice president, operations. Both will oversee important aspects of the business and will be instrumental in its continued growth. Peterson Media Group specializes in the publishing of association and trade magazines, directories and programs, in print and digital formats.
Grant received
A new project spearheaded by Maria Velasco, professor of art at the University of Kanas, recently received funding as part of the KU Racial Equity Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Awards. “Reclaiming Home” will tell the story of Topeka’s Bottoms neighborhood through oral history and art. In the 1950s and ’60s, more than 3,000 Topekans were forced to leave their homes and businesses in the Bottoms district in downtown to make way for new real estate development as part of the Urban Renewal Project. The area, covering more than 20 blocks, was the heart of a thriving Black business district and robust Latinx community. “Reclaiming Home” aims to reclaim the stories of these displaced communities through the use of oral histories, community mapping and an exhibit that recreates the neighborhood through art — all at a critical time when the city is planning another round of urban renovation in the same area Velasco has partnered with ArtsConnect and local historians Donna Rae Pearson and Valerie Mendoza for this project. “This local story, in the backyard of both the Kansas state capitol and KU, resonates during a time of national violence against Black and Brown communities” said Velasco. ”We hope this project will increase civic engagement among community members by addressing historical and current inequities.”