KLC takes its impact to the next level with expanded space, creating more opportunities for leadership
As communities continue to navigate increasing complexity, division and change, the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is expanding its capacity to help more people work across differences and make progress on the challenges that matter most. Today, the nonprofit organization is preparing for its next chapter by unveiling a $2 million expansion of a third floor at its downtown Wichita headquarters to serve more Kansans, offer more programs and accommodate a growing team.
Made possible through the generous support of the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF), the expansion reflects nearly two decades of growth and positions KLC to meet increasing demand for leadership development and culture change at unparalleled scale.
“In 2005, the Kansas Health Foundation invested in and created the Kansas Leadership Center based on the belief that strong, civic leadership is essential to creating healthier communities,” said Ed O’Malley, president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. “Today, that mission is more urgent than ever as Kansas has been sliding in national health rankings. With a focus on leadership, we can be one of the healthiest states in America, and KLC’s expanded capacity will help get us there.”
A growing organization
Since opening its doors in 2007, KLC has grown from a bold idea into an internationally recognized leadership organization. Today, its framework is used by organizations across Kansas, all 50 states and more than 70 countries, helping people from every walk of life learn how to mobilize others to make progress on difficult challenges.
The organization has increased its staff by 36 percent since 2022 while expanding partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies and communities throughout the world.
“This expansion isn’t simply about creating more space, it’s about creating more opportunities for people to come together, work across differences and make progress for the common good,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center. “We’ve grown into this moment, and now we’re building for what’s next.”
More space for learning and collaboration
The renovated third floor transforms previously unused space into 10,700 square feet of classrooms, interactive teaching studios and collaborative gathering spaces designed to support both in-person and virtual learning. More importantly, it creates the capacity for KLC to convene more people, deepen partnerships and expand its work helping communities navigate their most difficult challenges together.
Investing in people
The expansion also supports KLC’s continued investment in its people with recent additions to the leadership team, including Chief Learning Officer Dr. Sidney Childs and Marketing and Communications Officer Jamillah Anderson.
“As we look toward our 20th anniversary, we’re celebrating more than just how far we’ve come; we’re ensuring that Kansas and communities around the world continue to have a place where people learn how to lead through difficult challenges together,” Monk-Morgan said.
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About the Kansas Leadership Center
The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit educational organization with a civic mission, national reputation and global reach. Founded in 2007 with core funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, KLC’s mission is to inspire and equip people, together, to do difficult things for the common good. KLC partners with other nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, philanthropies, and communities to build cultures that are mobilized to make progress on their toughest challenges and thrive. Its publications include leadership books available from Bard Press, Third Floor Research, an applied research center with the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and The Journal, a nationally recognized, award-winning civic issues magazine.
Over the past 19 years, KLC has built a strong and respected institution in Kansas designed to deliver leadership development and culture change at unparalleled scale. Now, organizations across the country and around the world look to us to provide resources and consultation to support their own aspirations for mission-driven leadership education. Learn more at www.kansasleadershipcenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie Lindeman
316-393-1076
carrie@lindemancollective.com
