Racquel Thiesen

Racquel is the Leadership Development Program Director and has worked for Newton Area Chamber of Commerce since 1991. Formal training in the field of leadership was obtained by Racquel through the Kansas Health Foundation. Ongoing development is provided by the Foundation through the Annual Leadership Institute and regular continuing education classes. Racquel is an Ambassador for the Foundation.

Additionally, Racquel is a member of the Executive Committee of the Kansas Leadership Forum (KLF). KLF is a state-wide organization whose mission is to serve and assist Kansas professionals in the field of youth and adult leadership development education.

“Being a part of the community’s leadership development programs is an incredibly rewarding component of my job. Working with individuals and groups, adults and high school students, and business and service entities meets so many of my personal and professional interests. It truly is exciting to see change occur in the community in terms of leadership operating norms. Steven Covey once said that we can’t talk seriously about transforming organizations with first talking seriously about transforming ourselves individually. Leadership Advancement and the Student Leadership Program are intended to be inclusive of all people and we work daily at the Chamber to ensure that happens. â€?

Racquel currently serves on the Future Facilities Planning Committee for the USD 373, is a member of the Entrepreneurial Education Enterprise Advisory Board, and is the Harvey County United Way Campaign PR Chairperson.

Sherri Buss

 Sherri is the Director of Special Education for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative, a position she’s held since 1989. Formal training in the field of leadership was obtained by Sherri through the Kansas Health Foundation as well as from Kansas State University when she obtained her Masters in Adult Education and Staff Development. Ongoing development is provided by the Foundation through the Annual Leadership Institute and regular continuing education classes. Sherri is an Ambassador for the Foundation.

 â€œThrough my work with I have long understood that formal power only exists if one cares about the rewards and consequences those in formal positions control. If we want to have influence (i.e. leadership) then our work has to be about relationships and creating a climate where individuals feel safe and able to impact the work that is to be done. Robert Greenleaf’s concept of Servant Leadership has made me realize I not only have an obligation to serve but to also empower those who are served. The process can’t be about me. It has to be about those around me.â€?

 Sherri has been honored as the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, is a recipient of the Kansas Health Foundation’s Leader-Full Community Award, was named 2005 Newton Woman of the Year and received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Kansas Infinitec.