How did you get here? Where are you going?
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 grow up in local government.鈥� That is my standard answer, when friends would ask about my path to the Public Policy and Management Center and 成人头条 State. I grew up helping, working, and connecting with those in my rural communities. I saw the commitment to service, strength, and ingenuity of those around and beside me.
When thinking about where I grew up professionally, I connect to my PPMC colleagues and experiences and how those mirrored my youth: commitment to service, strength, and the ingenuity of those around me. For the last five years, the PPMC has been my wide-open tall grass prairie of growth, opportunity, and community. Space to grow is key for a girl with 14 people in her graduating class and a local government teacher who was genuinely 鈥渃oncerned鈥� about my potential for shenanigans. For those wondering, Misty and Paula connected firmly to my 鈥渃oncerned鈥� local government teacher these last five years. #SkateboardFriday
Throughout my time at the PPMC, I have had the opportunity to work with and support professionals from some incredible associations. My appreciation and support for these professionals is only rivaled by appreciation for the team at the PPMC.
We talk a lot about the 鈥減ublic good鈥� at the PPMC, but the most incredible part is seeing this lived, learned, and leaned into on a regular basis. From the forefront of democracy with our County Clerks and Election Officials to City Clerks and the only statutorily required position within a city 鈥� each of these local government roles requires daily flexibility. These professionals choose to support their communities each day through their work. It can feel tireless and thankless, but in each moment, it improves communities and supports the 鈥減ublic good.鈥�
I have also had the privilege and honor to support the Kansas Museum Association. Museums share, show, and provide opportunities that are vital to thriving communities. This work would not happen without a dedicated membership displaying the rich history, art, and science centers across the state.
Additionally, our work with Women in Public Service has truly been a gift, which created a place and space to be, share, care, and grow. Being able to connect with those who are further along, to lean on those who are close, and to reach back to pull someone forward is something I will not give up and I will not forget.
These organizations thrive, based on connection, education, and support of their membership. They highlight what supporting 鈥減ublic good鈥� can look like. They have imprinted on me the work, dedication, and at times lackluster appearance of public service, BUT oh how bright it can be to do the work worth doing. I too, feel like my time here has grown me through connection, education, and support from a network of caring, compassionate, and 鈥渃heer you on鈥� professionals that deeply care about the work of 鈥減ublic good鈥� and you as a professional. This space of growth has challenged, flummoxed, cheered, and encouraged me 鈥� and my passion for the work. But most importantly, my passion for the people.
While I will always be for #TeamPPMC and #SkateboardFriday, I will be moving to support the work of the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Broadband Development.
This infrastructure and work are vital next steps to moving Kansans forward. It is an exciting time and a privilege to be a part of this work too. Knowing I am going to be working toward digital access for local governments and communities to have the connections they need, is humbling. I am looking back with gratitude and forward with hope and excitement.
*Please note, sharing about my growth in no way indicates that I have officially 鈥済rown up.鈥� This is just where I鈥檝e grown and been called up. Cheers to those who called me up and continue to call others up.