
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 2023-2025
Delia Lister - President
Pittsburg State University Nature Reach
Marcel Harmon – President Elect
BranchPattern
Sydney Becker – Secretary
Greenbush - The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center
Dominick DeRosa – Treasurer
Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
Keri Harris – Past President
Franklin County Conservation District
Sylvia Davis – At Large
City of Topeka Utilities
John Gallagher – At Large
Dillion Nature Center
Dr. Evelyn Hill – At Large
Avenue of Life
Ma’Ko’Quah Abigail Jones – At Large
Mandy Kern – At Large
Kansas Wetlands Education Center
Melissa Kirkwood – At Large
Sunset Zoo
Daphne Mayes – At Large
Emporia State University - PAROC
Marvin Wade – At Large
USD 383 - Manhattan - Ogden - Retired
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
Kim Bomberger - Ex-Officio
Kansas Forest Service
Robin Dolby – Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Melanie Haas – Ex-Officio
Kansas State Board of Education
Stephen King - Ex-Officio Alternate
Kansas State Department of Education
Mike Rader – Ex-Officio
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
Lyndzee Rhine –Ex-Officio Alternate
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
Meg Richard – Ex-Officio
Kansas State Department of Education
Riley Vande Ven - Ex-Officio Alternate
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
ldowney@kacee.org

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.
Ashlyn
Kite-Hartwich
Director of Educational
Programs
akite@kacee.org

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.
Jolene
Amtower
Office Manager
jamtower@kacee.org

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!
Rachel
Wahle
Director of Kansas
Green Schools
rwahle@kacee.org

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.
Leonore
Enfield
Director of Outreach and Student Engagement
lenfield@kacee.org

Leonore joined the KACEE staff in 2022 to head up the Kansas WILD Program and the KACEE AmeriCorps Program. Leonore is a former teacher from Lyons, Kansas, where she lives with her husband. She is a mother and grandmother!
Sandy
Chandler
Business Manager
schandle@kacee.org

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.