Board of Directors
The ten member Executive Board of Directors includes five parent representatives and five community representatives. The Russell Chlid Development Center Board of Directors is a policy-making board which governs the organization. The Board selects, employs and evaluates the Executive Director who reports to the Board. The Board of Directors of RCDC meets the fourth Monday of each month, except November.
Jose' M. Olivas
Secretary
Jose' is retired after working as a Community Developer in Ulysses, Johnson City and Satanta communities for 40 years. He worked with many families who had children in need of services.
"I am happy to serve on the Board and to help assure families have the services they need. I have served on the Kansas Children's Cabinet and currently am on the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund Board of Directors. My wife and I have two grown children and two grandsons. I became a Russell Child Development Center Board Member in 2015."
Gene Gaede
Community Representative
Hailing from Eastern Kansas, Gene has practiced law for over 35 years, in Southwest Kansas. He has a B.A. from Kansas State University and a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. He and his wife, Jannelle have two sons, Mitchell and Nolan who both are Kansas State University graduates.
"Through my professional activities, I became aware of the incredible work that Russell Child Development Center has done and continues to do throughout Southwest Kansas. I wanted to support their mission, so I join the board in 2016."
Deanna Berry
RCDC Executive Director
Deanna has over 35 years of experience in her field and has been with RCDC since 2001. Her background is in School Psychology with an Education Specialist degree as well as her MS in Psychology. She also holds a BS in Elementary Education, an Associates in Music and is licensed as a Kansas building and district level school administrator.
"My experiences as the parent of young children who faced challenges led me to a career where I am able to make a difference for other families working hard to do the best for their children. I am honored to be part of this agency's mission, to have the support of a committed Board of Directors, and am proud of the work done every day by our amazing staff."