United Way of the Plains Announces New Board Members and 2026 Chair

WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 8, 2026 – United Way of the Plains has elected new officers and welcomed new members to the 2026 board of directors.

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

• Gil Alvarez, Deputy Superintendent, Wichita Public Schools
• Susayn Brandes, Chief Executive Officer, Great Plains Ventures
• Sam Chandler, President, INTRUST Bank
• Julie Huber, Chief Operations Officer, Equity Bank
• Joley Riley, EVP/Chief Banking Officer, Meritrust Credit Union
• Don Sherman, Executive of Community Affairs, Evergy
• Michelle Moe Witte, Attorney, Martin Pringle Law

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 2026 Committee Chairs includes:

• Chair – Doug Ledbetter, Partner, Ernst and Young LLP
• Vice Chair – Sue Tirukonda, Financial Advisor, Cordell Wealth Management
• Treasurer/Finance Chair – Bryce Dougherty, Chief Financial Officer, Delta Dental of Kansas
• Immediate Past Chair – Jennifer Szambecki, Chief of Staff, Hutton
• Community Investment Chair – Bradley Dyer, Sr. Business Development Officer, Credit Union of America
• Resource Development Chair – John Trowbridge, Senior Vice President of Business Development, AGH
• Governance Chair – Bobby Gandu, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, Wichita State University
• Strategic Planning Chair – Gene Camarena, President, La Raza Pizza, Inc.

2025 United Way of the Plains Board Chair, Jennifer Szambecki reflects on this past year. “When I think about the impact of United Way of the Plains, both through their direct service programs and their many funded partners, I’m humbled to have been a small part of an incredible year. As we look forward to a great 2026, I’m excited to pass the gavel to Doug Ledbetter. Doug is a shining example of someone who lives out the idea that “united is the way” to make our region stronger, healthier, and ever more responsive to those in need.”

Visit unitedwayplains.org for a complete listing of the 2026 Board of Directors and to learn more about the organization’s mission.

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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.