EVENT
SPONSORSHIP
Dear Environmental Education Supporter,
We invite you to show your support for environmental education in our state by sponsoring Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) events this year. KACEE unites public agencies, teachers, community organizations, businesses, and individuals behind a common cause - teaching kids how to think, not what to think, about environmental issues through non-biased and science-based EE.
KACEE is a 501(c)3 organization with a vison to grow a healthy, vibrant and resilient Kansas through the power of environmental education. A portion of your sponsorship is tax deductible. Your sponsorship will be recognized in our promotions, reaching 1300+ people across Kansas.
By sponsoring our fundraising events, you will help offset costs, reduce registration fees, and provide scholarships for educators. Support for environmental education is vital for a healthy environment, vibrant economy, and successful communities.
If environmental education is something that you or your organization deeply values, sponsoring one or more of our events provides the opportunity to live your values and lead your community by example.
Thank you for your consideration!
The KACEE Board and Staff
KACEE Board of Directors 2021-2023
Keri Harris – President
Franklin County Conservation District
Delia Lister - President Elect
Pittsburg State University Nature Reach
Sydney Becker – Secretary
Greenbush - The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center
Sylvia Davis – Treasurer
City of Topeka Utilities, WPC Division
Michael Hotz – Past President
Wyandotte High School - Retired
Ron Betzen – At Large
Kansas Farm Bureau
Dominick DeRosa – At Large
FL Schlagle High School
Leonore Enfield – At Large
Lyons Middle School
Aida Farough – At Large
Kansas State University, Department of Geology
John Gallagher – At Large
Dillion Nature Center
Marcel Harmon – At Large
BranchPattern
Ma’Ko’Quah Abigail Jones – At Large
Melissa Kirkwood – At Large
Sunset Zoo
Mandy Kern – At Large
Kansas Wetlands Education Center
Marvin Wade – At Large
USD 383 - Manhattan - Ogden
Angela Anderson - Ex-Officio
Kansas Water Office
Katie Basiotis - Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Bureau of Environmental Field Services
Watershed Management Section
Robin Blume – Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Kim Bomberger - Ex-Officio
Kansas Forest Service
Melanie Haas – Ex-Officio
Kansas State Board of Education
Mike Rader – Ex-Officio
Kansas Department Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
Lyndzee Rhine –Ex-Officio Alternate
Kansas Department Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
Meg Richard – Ex-Officio
Kansas State Department of Education
Travis Sieve - Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Bureau of Environmental Field Services
Watershed Management Section
Kathleen Waters – Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Bureau of Air
KACEE STAFF
LAURA DOWNEY
Executive Director
With a life-long love of nature and a passion for education, Laura found her dream job when she joined the KACEE staff in 1998. Originally from Michigan, Laura has found her home in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.
RACHEL WAHLE
Kansas Green Schools Coordinator
Rachel joined the KACEE family in 2009 and is the resident 'go-to girl' for Kansas Green Schools. Rachel loves being a mom, being in the outdoors, and inspiring others to make a difference & passing on that passion on to others.
JOLENE AMTOWER
Office Manager
Jolene joined KACEE back in 2004 and supports the Staff on their projects. Originally a western Kansas girl, she now lives in Manhattan with her husband, Kirk. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. She enjoys going anywhere that involves being out in nature!
MORGAN BARRETT
Director of Development
Morgan joined KACEE in December 2019. She lives in rural Douglas County with her husband and twin babies, she's a prairie fanatic, and she's passionate about treading lightly on Mother Earth!
ASHLYN KITE-HARTWICH
Director of Educational Programs
Ashlyn joined the KACEE family in 2007. She loves spending as much time as she can with her children and husband, playing and exploring in the outdoors and taking care of their family farm.
SANDY CHANDLER
Business Manager
Sandy joined the KACEE organization in 1994 as part-time business manager. She assists with accounting, membership, conferences and award events.
She is retired from Kansas Forest Service and enjoys spending time with her grandkids, outdoors, swimming and teaching them about the environment.