United Way of the Plains Announces New Board Members and 2025 Chair

WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 6, 2025 – United Way of the Plains has elected new officers and welcomed new members to the 2025 board of directors.

The new directors who will serve three-year terms are:

• Susan DeVaughn, SVP, National Hospitality Program Director, IMA Financial Group
• Bryce Dougherty, Chief Financial Officer, Delta Dental Kansas
• Dennis Kerschen, President, The Law Company
• Mike Wegner, Chief Financial Officer, Ascension Kansas

The new directors who will serve one-year terms are:

• Don Sherman, Executive of Community Affairs, Evergy

United Way of the Plains President & CEO, Pete Najera, said the nonprofit welcomes the expertise and energy the newest board members bring to the organization. “These community leaders will be actively involved in fundraising, volunteering and providing input into how we can continue to improve our community impact. We’re grateful for their dedication to advocating for those in need.”

The list of 2025 Committee Chairs includes:

• Chair – Jennifer Szambecki, Chief of Staff, Hutton
• Vice Chair – Doug Ledbetter, Partner, Ernst and Young LLP
• Treasurer/Finance Chair – Sue Tirukonda, Financial Advisor, Cordell Wealth Management
• Immediate Past Chair – Walt Berry, Executive Chairman, Berry Companies Inc.
• Community Investment Chair – Gene Camarena, President, La Raza Pizza, Inc.
• Resource Development Chair – John Trowbridge, Senior Vice President of Business Development, AGH
• Governance Chair – Moji Rosson, Director of Growth Strategies and Community Impact, Meritrust Credit Union
• Strategic Planning Chair – Bobby Gandu, AVP for Strategic Enrollment Management & Director of Admissions, Wichita State University

2024 United Way of the Plains Board Chair, Walt Berry reflects on this past year. “Serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of the Plains has been both an honor and a privilege. As I pass the baton to my friend, Jennifer Szambecki, I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this past year, and I know the organization will continue to thrive under Jennifer’s leadership, combined with the expertise of our returning board members and the fresh perspectives of our newest members. Building a better tomorrow requires all of us – business leaders, families, and individuals – united in being a force for good.”

See unitedwayplains.org for a complete listing of the 2025 Board of Directors and to learn more about the organization’s mission.

Click on photo to download. 

Jennifer Szambecki
Board Chair
Chief of Staff
Hutton

Susan DeVaughn
SVP, National Hospitality Program Director
IMA Financial Group

Bryce Dougherty
Chief Financial Officer
Delta Dental of Kansas

Dennis Kerschen
President
The Law Company

Mike Wegner
Chief Financial Officer
Ascension Kansas

Don Sherman
Executive of Community Affairs
Evergy

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.