Ambassadors

Mark Naster, Hillcrest Transitional Housing

Mark is a Kansas City native who has been committed to serving his country and community. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a geography and meteorology degree Mark was commissioned an officer in the Marine Corps where he served for 6 six years. While spending 35 years in the private sector Mark has work with some outstanding business leaders including Ross Perot, Ewing Kauffman, and Lamar Hunt. Mark works in build long term relationships with organizations to help them with their business and community involvement issues. After his 7 and ½ years with Habitat for Humanity he has assisted other Non-profits with their business strategies. He is currently working with Hillcrest Transitional Housing to help eliminate homelessness for families and youth. He also serves individuals with his presentations at Job Clubs and the Women’s Employment Network on his presentation of “A Job Search is like a Courtship”. Mark is the proud father of three successful daughters. He has three grandchildren and a grandson on the way. Mark and his wife Lorraine have been married 41 years and currently reside in Lenexa.

Nathalie Aquino-Brech, Park University

Nathalie Aquino-Brech is the Campus Center Director at the Lenexa campus with Park University. She has been with Park University since 2005 and began her career in Higher Education at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Where her commitment to providing adult and continuing education to military service members, veterans, federal civilians, the community and their respective families was cultivated.

In 2020, Nathalie had the opportunity to relocate to Lenexa, KS. She is passionate about education and dedicated to her students. Her knowledge and experience now extend to those in the local community by partnering with government entities, business and community colleges that provide their employees and students with opportunities for continuing education.

Originally from San Diego, CA she is married to her husband Bruce from Secaucus, NJ who served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Their last duty station assignment brought them to the Midwest in 2004 where they raised four children. All of which relocated to the KCA to attend college, three alumni from Park University (Parkville) and the youngest attends MWSU (St Joseph) and is an Offensive Lineman.

Nathalie holds a BS in Psychology, MA in Human Resources Management, MA in Business and Organizational Security Management and MA in Management and Leadership. She received her degrees while navigating multiple duty stations, her husband’s deployment (OIF), raising children and working full-time.

Cheryl Coon, Johnson County Community College

Cheryl Coon is with the University of Kansas. She is responsible for developing and managing the university’s five year financial plan as part of the Business and Financial Planning team. Her early career in education includes finding educational solutions to match the technology based workforce needs of companies in the community as an instructor and programs offered in Continuing Education at Johnson County Community College. Prior to her career in higher education, she spent 11 years with H&R Block in corporate finance focused on special projects and key performance indicator reporting before moving into the field where she managed retail tax operations in northern Johnson County, Michigan, northeast Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. Cheryl spent time working in finance and program management while at Sprint after having experienced the world of financial statement auditing with KPMG Peat Marwick.

Cheryl spends her free time hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and cycling. She can frequently be found at Kauffman Stadium cheering on her KC Royals. Cheryl travels at every opportunity to visit friends, family and follow her favorite bands. She is a certified League Cycling Instructor helping adults learn safe cycling in addition to volunteering with Women’s Employment Network.. She was a member of the 2019 Leadership Lenexa class and served as co-chair for 2020 and 2022. Cheryl has a BS in Public Accounting from Pace University in White Plains NY. She is completing her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of South Dakota.

Micah Walje, PACT

Micah Walje works as a Project Director at PACT Construction Services in Lee’s Summit. Micah started with PACT in Sept of 2021. Micah has worked in the construction industry since he was a pre-teen. His experience ranges from hands-on trade experience to formal education. He graduated from University of Central Missouri in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Technology with an emphasis in Construction. He obtained a graduate certificate in Lean Six Sigma from the University of Central Missouri in 2019. He holds various other certificates related to construction and restoration. Micah’s responsibilities involve project estimating, sales, and project management. He cross-functionally assists with the company’s marketing and continuous improvement efforts. Today, his goal is to continue improving his skill set, which contributes to the greater good of his team. “Work harder on yourself than you do your job.” – Jim Rohn

Micah is an avid networker and enjoys connecting with other business professionals and chamber members. Micah grew up in central Missouri and traveled extensively for work over the last few years prior to working with PACT. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his family and wife Lindsay, playing with their dogs, exercising, gardening, traveling, boating, and spending time at the family lake house at Lake Lotawana, MO.

PACT Construction Services perform tenant improvements, renovation, commercial restoration, capital improvement, roofing, deferred maintenance, and emergency services across the Great Kanas City region.

https://www.pactkc.com/

Brian Hawk, State Farm Insurance

Brian is devoted to the betterment of our neighborhood and the surrounding community. He often partakes in trading his skills for goods and the other way around. Tinkering in the back yard with various machines, including a garden railroad set up around a small pond he constructed in the outdoor layout area. He likes to get his hands dirty with a variety of projects like elaborate neon lighting displays, small building endeavors and cutting and splitting a lot of wood for the wood-burning stove. Inside his “shack” he dabbles in radio as a HAMM radio operator with call sign KD0MYM. Communications is his strength and he has found much use for it.

After moving to Merriam from a Baldwin City farmhouse with his wife, Lori, of twenty years, he tackled a house restoration project with a home that dated from 1924 that was on the verge of being bulldozed and brought it back to original condition with appropriate updates. He combined his skills as a welder, machine operator, and material routing specialist for Haven’s Steel as well as a love of restoration and contracting to create a unique home on a nice plot of old forest land, perfect for his wife’s garden and their two dogs who love to explore.

He attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1996. After working for EXT Plastics in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, he found himself drawn to State Farm to work with his father, helping people to secure their homes and possessions. Brian has spent almost a decade working with customers, many of whom have become his friends. He has built up a network of friendships and has been able to mix business with pleasure successfully. He loves his work because of the relationships he has been able to cultivate over the years.

Brian has the skills to become a valued leader in the community. He always remembers people and easily recalls their names and life experiences, keeping in touch long after doing business with them. Brian was also in the 2017 Lenexa Leadership class and a graduate of the Lenexa Citizens Police Academy. It seems to be a natural transition to be an Ambassador for the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce. He has a strong desire to build relationships and to work with the Chamber in a supporting role.

David Bonebrake, Healthcare Solutions Team

David Bonebrake is a career Health Insurance Agent/Broker with Healthcare Solutions Team (HST) and has dedicated his entire Sales & Management career to doing what is right for the client, no matter what the product or industry.

In his role with HST, he focuses on counseling the client as to what would be best for them, their family, and their situation. Whether it’s major medical term coverage, Medicare Supplemental, Critical Illness, Accident, Dental, Vision, or Life coverage, he recognizes the importance of making the correct choice the first time. With licenses in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, he’s able to help many folks on a very personal basis.

David has worked in and excelled in multiple industries over the years. With sales, business development, and product expertise in products ranging from Planter’s Peanuts, Mohawk Carpeting, Graphic Arts Finishing, Henry Wurst Printing, Gateway Country Stores, DeVry University, high-tech computer training, and now Healthcare sales, he’ll be able to communicate well with the wide variety of new companies coming into Lenexa!

His family consists of his high school sweetheart, Debbie (now his wife of 40 years) with 2 grown children and a total of 3 amazing grandkids, luckily all living locally. A life-long Johnson County resident and a current Lenexa resident, he is active in his church, is in charge of his high school reunion group (Shawnee Mission East Class of 1972), helped develop a scholarship with his reunion group for graduating SME Seniors, and graduated from K-State with a degree in Marketing. And lastly, he is honored to be a Lenexa Ambassador!

Victoria Calhoun, Community Member

I like Lenexa–so much so, that I’ve lived here for more than 25 years. I’ve enjoyed watching the community grow and have been involved along the way.–from walking my dog at Sar-Ko-Par Park, attending the annual BBQ Championship, Chili Fest, Spinach Fest, Art Fair or Food Truck Frenzy and more. I’m a graduate of the Lenexa Citizen’s Police Academy, I worked for the Lenexa Public Market and was a member of the Vision 2040 Committee.

I’m a Mizzou graduate with a BJ in Journalism and have a Masters in Education from UMKC. I’m married with two great kids – a KU graduate daughter, and a son at SM West. I enjoy giving back to the community as a Tour Ambassador at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and as a Chamber Ambassador.

Jan Hawkins, sipVine, Inc.

Jan Hawkins is a VoIP Marketing Specialist with sipVine, a Kansas City-metro based Hosted VoIP Provider. Jan has been with sipVine for over nine years after previously spending five years with Sprint and 21 with Marley Cooling Tower.

Jan’s marketing responsibilities with sipVine are varied. She actively participates in several business chambers in the area and helps develop relationships between area businesses and the organization. If you haven’t talked with Jan yet, you probably will soon! Jan loves events, especially ones that support charitable causes.

sipVine was founded in 2005 with the goal of delivering new telecommunications technology to businesses with a focus on call quality. Now that Voice over IP is commonplace in the marketplace, many have found that the customer service sipVine delivers is both standard setting and refreshing for this industry. sipVine has installations across the country and proudly calls the Kansas City metropolitan area its home.

Jay Adams, 3&2 Development Director

During Jay’s 22 years at Marion Laboratories, he held several positions that included Group Leader, Associate Packaging Engineer, and Validation Specialist. His career at Marion Labs often entailed the startup of new production areas associated with the multitude of new products launched during this exciting period. One of Jay’s last projects before leaving Marion Merrill Dow was serving on the team that was responsible for the successful startup of a new production plant in Puerto Rico.

After retiring from Marion Merrill Dow, Jay founded Emerge Enterprises, L.C. with the mission to come alongside organizations looking to generate new initiatives. Jay’s first business endeavor provided him an opportunity to help with the formation of The 3&2 Baseball Club of Johnson County’s “Youth Program For The Future” capital campaign.  For the past 20 years, Jay has assisted numerous Kansas City organizations in the development of new revenue streams through friend-raising events, sponsorship marketing, and new business affiliations. Jay’s career is truly categorized as a serial entrepreneur/developer from the beginning of his corporate career up to today.

Jay and his wife Linda, along with their six children, moved to Lenexa in 1991. Jay and the family were constantly on the move from one sporting season to another, school concerts or ballet performances. Each of their grown kids are married and have given Jay & Linda 15 grandchildren. So it goes without saying, going from one grandchild’s event to another remains steady.

Today, Jay continues his work for the 3&2 organization as their Development Director. He serves on the elder board at his church and is currently giving his spare time to assist the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to create a tangible way to honor & remember their fallen first responders. He enjoys spending time at Lenexa’s Public Market connecting with colleagues and friends and is excited to be serving as a Lenexa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Mike Stein, PE

Coreslab Structures (Missouri) Inc.

Chamber Member Since: 2009

Chairman’s Ambassador Since:  2017

Why did you join/why are you an active Chamber member?  I became involved with the Chamber when a co-worker brought me along to a meeting. I saw it as a great way to learn more about local opportunities, and meet local people to build my network.

What is your favorite Chamber program & why?  My favorite events are ones that are hosted by members themselves, it is great to see members show off their services and employees. I also enjoy morning meetings, networking and breakfast to get the day started.

What advice do you have for new Chamber members?  Find the events and groups that fit your schedule and personality and get involved. Use the connections you make to build your business and personal network.

In my spare time I look for more spare time. I really do not have a lot of spare time, if I am not attending one of my kids’ events, I try to find a little time to unwind with friends and my wife. Every once in a while I find some time to do some hunting or fishing.

Bill Anthony

Work History and Background: Bill Anthony graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and after two years in the Army he went to work as a sales engineer for The CECO Corporation, a building products manufacturing company and construction subcontractor. He was transferred to their home office in Chicago, where he oversaw the sales and marketing function for their concrete construction subcontracting operation.

Later he returned to Kansas City to work in sales and marketing for one of his best customers—J.E. Dunn Construction Company, becoming an integral part of their astonishing growth to one of the top ten construction firms in the country. Bill has been actively involved in numerous business and civic groups, including Careers in Construction, Junior Achievement, Shawnee Mission Schools, Kansas City Area Development Council, Johnson County Museum and Missouri and Kansas Societies of Professional Engineers. He has also been very active in the chamber holding a number of positions over the years, ultimately being selected member of the year. Bill and his wife are active in their church and have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Affiliations:

• Advisory Board of Johnson County Museum, board member & past president
• J. E. Dunn Careers in Construction BSA Explorers Post #2968, post advisor
• Leadership Lenexa Graduate 1995
• Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, Western Chapter Director & Past President
• Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, Eastern Chapter Past President
• Shawnee Mission School District West Area Advisory Board
• Shawnee Mission West High School Wings Program, ‘At Risk’ student mentor
• Overland Park Christian Church, Elder, Deacon, Stewardship & Finance Committee, past treasurer and Board member
• Lenexa Road Funding Task Force, chair appointed by the mayor
• Lenexa Economic Development Council, past chair
• Junior Achievement Youth Consultant
• Lenexa Vision 2020 & 2030 Strategic Planning Initiatives, Commercial Development Task Force, appointed
• Oak Hill Homes Association, board member 5 years, president 2 years

Lenexa Chamber of Commerce:

• Chairman’s Ambassador
• Member of the Year Award 1997
• Past chair of Diplomats, Award Winning Committee two times
• Legislative Affairs Committee, past chair
• Finance Committee, past member
• Lenexa Economic Development Council, past chair
• Board of Directors, two 2-year terms

Mike Reichmeier, Community Volunteer

Mike essentially grew up in the insurance business with his father owning and operating his own agency since Mike was in middle school. After graduating with a BS in Political Science and a BS in Personnel Administration, Mike went to work for Reichmeier and Associates specializing in Life insurance and Property and Casualty. He then took an ownership role and expanded his knowledge base to specialize in specific commercial markets including the transportation industry. He moved into the area of employee benefits in 1992 as a consultant for a large local benefits firm where he built a significant clientele of small business owners.

In 1996, he accepted a benefit broker/ insurance consultant with The Resource Group, L.C. which later became part of HRH. In 2008 he became part of the Willis HRH family when HRH merged with Willis, the third largest global leading insurance broker. This gives him the opportunity to blend his expertise in commercial property and casualty insurance with employee benefits, giving him the ability to help businesses manage their overall business risk portfolio.

Mike is very committed to and active in his community. He is a Lenexa Planning Commissioner, Chairman of his Parish Council, and is a member of the Lenexa 2020 Study Committee, an organization responsible for providing insight to City leaders to identify growth and expansion opportunities in the next century. He is also active in the Chamber of Commerce, was on the board of directors for four years, and has received several awards for his outstanding involvement including a Key to the City in 1994.

Also in that year, he was named Knight of the Year in the district of Kansas City \ St. Joseph. He is currently a Past Grand Knight in his Knights of Columbus. In addition to his community involvement, Mike has also received numerous awards for achievement in the insurance industry.

Dale Warman – Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo

Dale Warman recently retired as Director of Field Operations for Kansas City Power and Light after 43 years of service. Dale graduated Suma Cum Laude from Park University.

Dale’s time is spent enjoying his family and working in the community. He believes he has received so much from the community it’s now time to give back where he can. When he retired his goal was to travel some with his wife Barbara (54 years) and enjoy his children (two daughters and a son) and his six grandchildren, all who live in this area.

He also remains involved with the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Annual Dinner Committee and the Golf Committee. Dale continues to be involved and is presently the President of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Hall of Fame and Museum, Past Councilman for Ward I for Prairie Village Kansas, Past President Northeast Jo Co Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair Board for Countryside Christian Church and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo.

Dale is very proud to have served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Lenexa Chamber in 1999. He says, “One of the greatest moments in my life was at the 2004 Annual Dinner when I received the Spirit of the Chamber Award. I love the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce and its members.”

DAVE MENNENGA – GEORGE BUTLER ASSOCIATES

Dave moved into the Johnson County area from Nebraska in 1996 to accept a position with George Butler Associates (GBA).  He is currently an Associate in the firm’s Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning group.  On a daily basis, Dave serves as the lead traffic engineer and project manager on a wide variety of transportation-related studies and designs of roadway, intersection, and interchange projects for clients in both the private and public sectors.

Dave received both his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Science degrees from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.  He is currently a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa, and is also a nationally-certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).

Joining the Lenexa Chamber Chairman’s Ambassadors in 2016, Dave has been an active Chamber member for nearly 10 years. He graduated from the Leadership Lenexa program in 2012, and enjoys the many programs, social activities, and networking opportunities that the Lenexa Chamber provides.  Dave has been a Lenexa resident since 1998, and also serves in an Ambassador’s role while assisting the City’s Parks and Recreation department at the annual Great Lenexa BBQ Battle and Lenexa Chili Challenge contests.

Dave also volunteers his time for several STEM-based programs, like Future City, the Science Pioneers, and Project Lead The Way, that encourage America’s next generation of engineers and scientists.  In his spare time, Dave is an avid sports fan and travels to attend many events in support of Husker athletics, the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC, and NASCAR / Indy Car racing.  He is a Master certified barbecue judge and lifetime member of the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS).  A former trombone player in the Cornhusker Marching Band and a Nebraska All-State chorus member, Dave also enjoys a wide variety of musical performances, concerts, and live shows.

Organizational Affiliations:

• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• Missouri Valley Section of ITE (MOVITE) (Executive Board through 2019)
• Kansas City Chapter of ITE (KCITE)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• American Public Works Association (APWA)
• International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)
• Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA – Heartland Chapter)
• Leadership Lenexa Alumni
• University of Nebraska Alumni Association (Lifetime Member)
• Tau Beta Pi (National All-Engineering Honor Society)
• Chi Epsilon (National Civil Engineering Honor Society)
• Triangle Fraternity