Kim Borchers is a thought leader in the realm of talent acquisition and leadership development, serving as the President and owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting LLC. Her firm stands at the forefront of placing C-suite talent within the highest echelons of state and federal government, specializing in comprehensive management development initiatives. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kim is deeply involved in various civic and philanthropic endeavors. She proudly serves as the Kansas Republican National Committeewoman for the RNC and holds directorial positions at Kansas Delta Dental and the Eisenhower in Public Service Series. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a board member for the Topeka Women's Fund, Cair Paravel Latin School, and the transformative Project 2 Restore, dedicated to supporting women rescued from sex trafficking. Kim's personal life is characterized by a steadfast partnership with her husband, Dr. Tim, spanning 29 years. Together, they reside in Topeka, KS, where they cherish their roles as parents to three accomplished children, a beloved son-in-law, and a cherished granddaughter. Kim's multifaceted commitment to professional excellence, civic engagement, and family values exemplifies her as a true leader in her community and beyond.

Emily Cullinan is a Relationship Manager on the National Accounts team at American Century Investments. In this role, she is responsible for working with the State of Kansas to the assist in managing the Kansas 529 Educational Savings Plans. She is also a founding member and past board chair of the Accelerate Women’s Business Resource Group. Prior to joining American Century, she worked at Mariner Holdings, as a member of their National Accounts team and AllianceBernstein where she was a Product Manager for Global Business Development. She began her career as a Financial Analyst at Morgan Stanley. Emily has previously served on the board for GenKC and is a member of the Olathe Public Schools Foundation Women’s Giving Circle. She resides in Lenexa, KS with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading and is a founding member of 3 Sisters Book Club KC, an organization that focuses on supporting local reading communities through public book clubs and other literary minded events.

Lona DuVall has been the President and CEO of Finney County Economic Development Corporation since 2011. FCEDC is charged with growing and sustaining the economic base of Finney County and the Greater Garden City area. Having worked in the financial, health care, and education sectors, Lona has a wealth of experience related to the economic conditions in the region. Lona views her role, and the role of FCEDC, as one that has a responsibility to the region, not just Finney County. To that end, she has assisted many area cities and counties in creating community development strategies. Lona is a member and Past President of Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance, a former board member of Kansas Economic Development Alliance, served on Kansas Governor Kelly’s Early Childhood Transition Task Force, served on the Kansas State Department of Education’s Graduation Requirements Task Force, acts as a consultant to rural counties, and has hosted community visits from governmental, business and industry leaders from Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Wyoming to foster stronger community and economic development activities. Ms. DuVall holds a degree in Public Administration.

Joy Eakins is the President and Founder of Cornerstone Data, a premier data analytics firm based in Wichita, Kansas. Since founding the company in 2008, she has led its growth to serve clients in over 160 cities across 27 states, making it one of the most successful analytics firms in Kansas. Cornerstone Data partners with both public and private sector organizations to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights. Joy brings deep expertise in programming, database design, and analytics—skills she honed in earlier roles at Milliman, Bell Labs, and Avaya. She holds an MS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado Boulder. Beyond her professional work, Joy is deeply engaged in advancing communities across Kansas through civic leadership and volunteer service. She served as Board Chair of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2023 leading efforts to strengthen the business environment and support innovation. Her commitment to education and innovation has included board roles with Wichita Public Schools and Youth Horizons, as well as helping launch FlagshipKansas.Tech to grow the state’s technology sector. Joy regularly lends her voice to state-level conversations on education and tech policy, advocating for a stronger future for Kansas.

Sarah Flick-Fernandez is a dedicated public servant and currently serves as the Special Assistant to Wichita’s 103rd Mayor, Lily Wu. In this role, Sarah provides high-level strategic support to the mayor’s office—managing communications, leading special initiatives, and serving as a trusted liaison between City Hall and a wide range of community stakeholders. Before entering public service, Sarah built a successful career in national media sales, working in Chicago and New York City with major clients and high-performing teams. She later returned to Wichita, where she led national sales teams for hospitality legend Jack DeBoer, gaining valuable leadership and operations experience across complex, high-stakes environments. A proud graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah holds a degree in Business Communications. Her academic background, paired with her diverse professional experience, enables her to approach local government with both strategic insight and a deep commitment to public engagement. Sarah’s decision to transition into public service was inspired by a heartfelt conversation with her daughter, who encouraged her to pursue work that felt “more worthwhile.” That moment sparked a renewed dedication to community service. She is known for her strong advocacy of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in governance. Sarah plays a vital role in shaping programs that reflect the needs and values of Wichita residents. Today, she remains a key member of Mayor Lily Wu’s administration, working to advance the mayor’s vision and make a lasting impact on the future of Wichita.

Geovannie Gone is a healthcare leader, President & CEO of Minority Health and Social Equity, with over 20 years of experience addressing health disparities in marginalized communities. A strategic innovator and advocate, her career has included leading research projects and community-base interventions design to close systemic gaps and improve outcomes for underserved groups. Ms. Gone holds a master's degree in public health and dual bachelor’s degrees from Fort Hays State University and is a Licensed Nutritionist, Certified Interpreter, and Licensed Master’s Addictions Counselor. She serves on multiple state-level boards, including the Kansas Hispanic Latino American Affairs commission, and served in the Kansas Board of Nursing Board, Her honors include: National Equity in Immunizations Champion (NCICP), Healthier Kansas Award (Planeta Venus), Top 10 National Emerging CEOs in Healthcare, Regional Health Equity Champion (Heartland Conference) and Nominee, for the Fortuna Global Awards.

Brianne Johnson manages the key relationships with our large-scale independent Broker-Dealer distribution partners. Developing strategic partnerships, she drives incremental and sustainable business development, facilitates sales opportunities, and executes on corporate strategies. Brianne’s experience has been in retail banking and financial services, joining Security Benefit in 2013. She has worked with independent financial professionals in a consultative role on individual retirement savings, annuity sales, and qualified retirement plans. Most recently she managed our relationships with the National Education Association Member Benefits (NEAMB), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). In addition to her current role, Brianne frequently speaks at industry conferences and events, with a specialization in Women & Money. Her speaking engagements have included events for the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, The National Tax-Deferred Savings Association, The Los Angeles Dodgers, and numerous independent broker-dealer conferences. Brianne earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, and her MBA from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas. She is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), and holds FINRA Series 6, 63 and insurance licenses.

Anna Milbach is a Government and Higher Education Banking Relationship Manager and Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank and has been with the bank since 2013. Prior to joining U.S. Bank, Anna was with another large Bank for seven years with roles in Business Banking and leadership positions. Anna serves exclusively government and higher education clients throughout a few states in the Midwest. Anna has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Management all from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. She is also a student at Stonier Banking College in conjunction with the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. Anna has served on a variety of community Boards. She is also a Leadership Greater Rochester Alumni, Leadership for Five Seasons Alumni, Waypoint Tribute to Women Honoree, and Iowa Women’s Foundation Ovation Honoree.

Sarah Patterson is the Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer at Delta Dental of Kansas. In this role, Sarah is a key member of Delta Dental of Kansas’ executive management team responsible for all aspects of Delta Dental of Kansas and their subsidiary company, Surency Life & Health Insurance Company’s, product development, process innovation, marketing/communication, digital/web, and corporate philanthropy. In addition, Sarah has been integral to the start-up of the ancillary benefits subsidiary, directing the company’s branding and marketing strategy for expansion of the company’s footprint into 33+ states since 2008. Sarah was hired into Delta Dental of Kansas in 2006 as Director, Marketing & Communications. She was promoted to Vice President, Marketing & Communications in 2012 and Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer in 2020. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Kansas, Sarah worked as Marketing Manager for United Way of the Plains, as a Communications Specialist for Kansas Children’s Service League and Communications Intern with Cessna Aircraft Company. Sarah has served as the President of the Board of Directors for Botanica, The Wichita Gardens and in Board roles for Rise Up for Youth and CASA of Sedgwick County. She resides in Wichita, KS with her husband and two daughters.

Kimberly Read is a Private Wealth Advisor for the last 26 years with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC and a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for 2024 and 2025. She works with clients to inspire a more confident retirement, plan to simplify their lives, and reduce stress. By simplifying financial goals into achievable steps, she hopes to inspire clients to live more confident and fulfilled lives which will enable them to focus on what is most important. Kimberly resides in Wichita, KS with her husband and twin daughters. In her free time she likes to cook, read and dive into learning new things Professionally, I hold the AAMS™ and CRPC™ designations, and have passed the Series 7, 66, 24, 51, 9, and 10 exams. Over the years, I’ve been honored with several recognitions, including Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2024), Forbes Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors (2023, 2024, 2025), and the Ameriprise Ultimate Digital Excellence Award (2023, 2024). I’ve also received the Compass Personal Advisors Client Experience Award (2023), and have been part of the Ameriprise Circle of Success from 2006–2024, earning the Diamond Ring in 2020. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kim is deeply involved in various civic and philanthropic endeavors. She proudly serves as the Kansas Republican National Committeewoman for the RNC and holds directorial positions at Kansas Delta Dental and the Eisenhower in Public Service Series. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a board member for the Topeka Women's Fund, Cair Paravel Latin School, and the transformative Project 2 Restore, dedicated to supporting women rescued from sex trafficking. Kim's personal life is characterized by a steadfast partnership with her husband, Dr. Tim, spanning 29 years. Together, they reside in Topeka, KS, where they cherish their roles as parents to three accomplished children, a beloved son-in-law, and a cherished granddaughter. Kim's multifaceted commitment to professional excellence, civic engagement, and family values exemplifies her as a true leader in her community and beyond.

Kathy grew up in Mahaska, Kansas, and graduated from North Central High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, and her law degree from the University of Kansas, School of Law. After working as in-house counsel in a community bank for 2 years, she was hired by the Kansas Bankers Association to serve as Associate General Counsel and then as General Counsel for a combined 35 years. Kathy spends most of her time in government relations for the KBA as she assists those efforts at the State and Federal levels. She also manages the legal affairs of the KBA. When not on duty for the KBA, you will find Kathy and her husband, Tony, enjoying the outdoors.

Sara Hart Weir is the Executive Director of the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council and a Senior Advisor of ABLE today, an initiative of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). Weir has been working in the disability community for over two decades as a nonprofit executive, disability activist and ABLE expert. She served as the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure, led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress. Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led four successful federal improvements to the original ABLE Act. Her passion, ignited by her late friend Kasey with Down syndrome, continues to drive Weir to ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table, equity in the workplace and actively engaged in our economy. Weir co-founded the U.S. Future of Work for People with Disabilities Commission along side CEOs from Voya and SHRM, established NDSS’ first-ever employment program and remains a leading voice to end the discriminatory practice of sub-minimum wage. Weir was also the primary runner up in for U.S. Congress in Kansas' Third Congressional district in 2020. Weir serves on the Board of Directors for 2-Gether International, Creative Spirit and Golden Scoop in her hometown of Overland Park, Kansas.