In order to increase the organization’s impact in Kansas, I led a transition from being the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri to becoming the ACLU of Kansas, which became effective October 1, 2013. In preparation for that transition I developed and began implementing an outreach plan to establish a statewide presence, a development plan to broaden the number and level of contributions from donors, and an issue focus responsive to pressing threats to civil liberties in Kansas. These initiatives resulted in new members and contacts in Western Kansas, increased donor commitments, including the largest individual donation in the history of the Kansas and Western Missouri ACLU affiliate, and new policy initiatives.

Under my leadership, Kansas Action for Children grew from a two-person staff with an annual budget of $90,000 to a staff of ten and a budget of over $1.5 million, and became recognized as the most effective independent advocate for children in the state. Because of our policy advocacy, thousands of children gained access to health insurance, early learning opportunities, safety programs, and more. As president my responsibilities included development of a long-term strategic framework and yearly public policy agenda; representing the organization on state and national committees, at legislative committee hearings and to the news media; community outreach and network building; developing and maintaining relations with key funders; and liaison with national organizations.My board and committee responsibilities during my tenure at KAC included serving as chair of the National KIDS COUNT Steering Committee and of the Kansas Children's Coalition Executive Committee, and as a member of the Kansas Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning, the Kansas Early Childhood Care and Education Advisory Committee and the Commission of Children and Family Services Council.

The Corporation for Change was created by the Kansas Legislature to provide guidance for systemic reforms to improve how state agencies supported the well-being of children and families. During my tenure as executive director I led a state-wide planning process that culminated in a comprehensive plan to improve outcomes for children and families by integrating and coordinating services and decentralizing decision making.

My responsibilities included fiscal administration, grant writing, staff supervision, and directing the Latin America program.

I developed curriculum and provided training for Transition Councils throughout Kansas and was the senior adviser to the Board of Directors of United Together, a national federation of self-advocacy organizations.

My responsibilities included: issue research and program development for this statewide coalition of over 60 senior citizen, church, low income and community-based organizations; liaison with government, business and civic organizations; press relations; and staff training.