The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of twenty-six participants of the 2025-26 program year. Ceremonies were completed at the Columbian Theatre in Wamego.
Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained, “As we completed each segment and thanked each speaker and host, this class reflected the maxim as the Eagle Class — They accepted the charge they must be fearless in the face of adversity, knowing that the Eagle soars above the ordinary. With courage to fly against the wind, this class rose and will continue to rise to extraordinary heights.”
Board Chair Jeremy O’Donnell summarized the class experience saying, “This region needs vision to meet the needs and convert challenges into opportunities. When we shaped the Class of 2025-26, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to rise above the chatter to find a pathway as change unfolds. We found this class is inherently caring and are now well trained, focused servant leaders.”
Organization treasurer Tiffany Cutter shared the roster of financial and in-kind supporters including:
CORVIAS – Session underwriter
GEARY COUNTY COMMISSION
CITY OF JUNCTION CITY
RILEY COUNTY COMMISSION
CITY OF MANHATTAN
PORTER CATTLE COMPANY
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY COMMISSION
WTC FIBER
CITY OF WAMEGO
WABAUNSEE COUNTY COMMISSION
WABAUNSEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Bank of the Flint Hills
Wamego Chamber of Commerce
Central National Bank
US ARMY, Fort Riley
Class members recognized are listed by name, hometown, county and occupation:
Abby Amick Alma WB Wabaunsee County Clerk
Alex Bonebrake Manhattan RL Owner, Konza Painting
Julie Bortnick Wamego PT Senior Manager, Varney & Associates, CPA's, LLC
Jenna Brown White City MR Senior Director of Development, Carl Ice College of Engineering, K-State
Lauren Chard Manhattan RL Sports Sales Manager, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Raquel Cinco Wakefield CL Executive Director, Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jayme Coffey Junction City GE Accounts Payable/Financial Analyst, Geary County Board of Commissioners
Tyler Conard Manhattan RL Member Services Coordinator, Flint Hills Association of REALTORS
Eric Fleuter Enterprise DK Army Substance Abuse Program Manager, Fort Riley DHR
Heather Gladbach Wamego PT Assistant County Administrator/ Finance Officer, PT County
Cheryl Greathouse Manhattan RL EEO Complaints Manager, Fort Riley
Chris Herbel Alma WB Undersheriff, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office
Melanie Highsmith Manhattan RL Curator of Education & Design, Riley County Historical Museum
Bailey Hinkle Wamego PT Business Operation Manager, WTC Fiber
Michelle Horstmeier Manhattan RL Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Riley County
Gabby Jensen Wamego PT Communications & Outreach Specialist, City of Wamego
Maci Murillo Manhattan RL Library Director, Wamego Public Library
Mark Otte Manhattan RL Director of Public Affairs, Fort Riley
Josh Perkins Junction City GE Facilities Director, CORVIAS Property Management
April Philippi Junction City GE Leadership & Workforce Development Specialist, DHR, Fort Riley
Carl Seelye Junction City GE Management Analyst, DOD Fort Riley
Timothy Sifuentes Junction City GE Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, IMCOM Fort Riley
Mikayla Springer Alma WB Branch Manager, Community First National Bank, Manhattan
Bernadette Trieb Alma WB Extension Agent, K-State Extension Wabaunsee County
Brian Zachary Junction City WB Lieutenant, Geary County Sheriff's Office
Marissa Ziegler Milford GE Patrol Sergeant, Junction City Police Department
Board Chair Jeremy O’Donnell introduced the closing address speaker, Cassie Hartwich, for an inspiring challenge. In response, class members Mikayla Springer and Raquel Cinco shared lessons learned and appreciation remarks. The class project, Rock Creek Batting Cages, was announced by class member and project chair, Julie Bortnick, closing out the evening.