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.
Margaret Schultz
President
Gene Gaede
Vice President
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."
José M. Olivas
Secretary
José 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."
Shawn Myers
Treasurer
Nancy Honig
Nancy has been a County Extension Agent with K-State Research and Extension for 23 years and has a masters degree in adult development and aging. She is now part of the Wild West District which include Haskell, Stevens and Seward County and focuses primarily on adult development and aging.
"My family was the Russells. My Great Aunt Ruth was who sold her house to Russell Child when it first was started. My great grandparents and grandparents pictures hang in the center. My mother was involved in some of the early stages as well and Russell Child was something I'd always heard of even though I didn't know much about it in my youth. I have reached a point where I am able to let go of some other boards and responsibilities and felt it was time to take part in my family heritage and be a respresentative and supporter of RCDC."
Deanna Berry
RCDC Executive Director
Deanna has over 40 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."
Millie Norman
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee works for her family's business, Brookover Land Enterprises. She have a bachelor's degree in Human Development from K-State and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. As a third generation leader in her family's business, she feels it is an honor to continue a legacy as stewards of land and agriculture, and their commitment to employees and community.
"Growing up in Garden City, I always knew of RCDC and it's positive reputation in the community. I value early intervention services and am passionate about supporting women during their transition to motherhood. These interests, aligned with my desire to serve my community, led me to an interest to the Board."
Lance Palmer