Heartland Certified Public Manager Annual Conference Speakers
Dr. Christopher Koliba | Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor
Christopher Koliba is the Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, Policy & Governance at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). He possesses a Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Social Science Program an MPA from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a BS in Finance from the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University. Prior to joining the SPAA faculty in 2023, he served as Professor in the Community Development and Applied Economics Department at the University of Vermont where he served as the Director or Co-Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program for many years. In 2020 he established UVM’s first Office of Engagement to serve as the “front door” to the university and incubator of community-university partnerships. Chris has had substantial research administration leadership as well, serving as the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Social Ecological Gaming and Simulation (SEGS) Lab, Associate Director of Vermont EPSCoR, and a fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment. He was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in the fall of 2023.
Ashley Muddiman | Professor
Dr. Ashley Muddiman earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research broadly explores political media effects. More specifically, she studies political incivility, including citizens’ perceptions of incivility as well as the effects of political incivility in online settings. She also is a faculty research associate with the Center for Media Engagement (CME), which is housed at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. Her work with CME has explored shifting norms in digital news spaces, for instance how journalists and news users engage with partisan incivility in online comments, how journalists can intervene in comment sections to make them a bit less uncivil, and how clickbait headlines set expectations for news users.
Sara Taliaferro | Community Engagement Specialist and Policy Advocate
A community engagement specialist and policy advocate for positive and sustainable change on housing and environmental issues in Lawrence, Kansas. Sara is a 2024 graduate of the MPA program through the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration and an IAP2 member who holds certification through KU Public Management Center’s Public Engagement (2018) program and Advanced Public Engagement Certification from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy/Davenport Institute For Public Engagement and Civic Leadership (2021). Sara received the 2017 Tom and Anne Moore Peace and Justice Award for my collaborative role in environmental and social justice work in the community.
Kim Nakahodo | Deputy City Administrator
As the Deputy City Administrator of North Kansas City Kim brings more than 20 years of experience in local government and crisis/emergency management, she is a creative problem solver passionate about community building and breaking down barriers. Kim specializes in strengthening relationships among citizens, stakeholders, businesses, and public and private entities to drive positive change. Drawing on a strong background in communication and technology, Kim brings expertise in influencer and stakeholder relationship management as well as leveraging emerging tools in government. At the core of her approach is a commitment to asking, listening, engaging, including, and empowering. Kim believes that communication, partnerships, and relationships are the foundation of thriving organizations and resilient communities.
Kristi Northcutt | PMC Director
Kristi Northcutt joined the PMC as its director in May 2025. Prior to coming to KU, she served as the City Administrator in Lindsborg, Kansas (2021-2025) and as the Senior Director of Community Relations in Anthem, Arizona (2014-2021). She has managed large teams of employees in city administration including public affairs, legislative affairs, business development, customer service, special events, conference center management, tourism, public safety, parks and recreation, and public works. In Arizona, she also served as the head of the world renown Anthem Veterans Memorial.
Melissa Harmer | Communications Director
Melissa Harmer, CPM, serves as the Communications Director for the City of Raymore, Missouri, since June 2017, following a previous role as Communications Manager. With a strong foundation in photography, Melissa managed a boutique portrait business, Melissa McGhee Photography, from March 2006 to June 2024, Melissa began their career assisting various commercial photographers and holds a B.S. in Photography with a minor in Journalism from the University of Central Missouri.
Melissa Reeves | Community Relations Manager
Melissa Reeves is the Community Relations Manager for Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) in Kansas, where she works to connect the community with the organization's efforts in wastewater collection and treatment. Before joining JCW, she worked in developmental supports and is noted for helping to manage the department's public image and community engagement.
Omar Lindt | Lab Manager
Omar Lindt is the Lab Manager for the City of Olathe, where he has spent the last seven years protecting public health through water and wastewater testing. With over 15 years of laboratory experience, he brings both technical expertise and a commitment to community service. Omar holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kansas, is currently attending the Certified Public Manager program, and is on track to graduate in May with a Master of Public Administration from KU.
Toni Wheeler | Chief Legal Advisor
Toni R. Wheeler serves as the chief legal advisor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, and has the title of City Attorney. She joined the City in 1999, and was promoted to lead the City’s Legal Department in 2006. Ms. Wheeler received her undergraduate degree at Kansas University. She graduated with a Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Washburn University Law School in 1997. She is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She is married and has two adult children.
Chris enjoys teaching courses pertaining to public policy and public affairs, public administration, organizational theory and behavior, sustainable and resilient communities, systems analysis and strategic management, and the intersection of science and society. He has advised and supported countless students completing their doctoral dissertations, master’s thesis, and undergraduate research thesis.
He is married, father to three children and one grandchild. He likes to paint, hike, paddle, meditate and listen to world music.
Jay T. Johnson | Distinguished Professor
Jay T. Johnson is University Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Science at the University of Kansas. His research focuses on Indigenous peoples' cultural survival, particularly in the areas of resource management, political and environmental activism at the national and international levels, and the philosophies and politics of place that underpin the drive for cultural survival. Much of his work is comparative in nature but has focused predominately on Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Pacific, and North America. His work has appeared in Nature Sustainability, Sustainability Science, Progress in Human Geography, and Geographical Research, among other outlets.
Kate Nygren | Associate Director, Education Programs
Kate joined KU in 2021. Her career focus has been on helping people develop their skills, professionalization, and leadership potential. In her role, she manages the PMC’s Emerging Leaders Academy and Certified Public Manager Program. She holds a doctorate in English literature from the University of Kansas.
Brandon Mills | Assistant City Administration & City Clerk
Brandon Mills is De Soto’s Assistant City Administrator and City Clerk. As the Assistant City Administrator, Brandon oversees strategic initiatives, policy research, program implementation, public art programs, grant administration, and special projects. A graduate of the 2024 KU Public Management Center CPM program. Brandon was the 2024 Capstone Excellence Award for Kansas and Missouri for his capstone project, “Preserving Small-Town Values During Economic Growth: A Case Study of the De Soto Property Tax Relief Program.”
Brandy Janeski
Brandy Janeski has dedicated nearly 20 years to public service, spending many of those years in law enforcement before transitioning into emergency management. A graduate of Washburn University, the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program, and several other leadership development coursework, she brings strong leadership and a commitment to excellence to every role. Driven by a passion for helping others, Brandy continues to serve the public with integrity, resilience, and a focus on building safer, stronger communities.
Stephanie Hoffman | Contact Center Manager
Stephanie Hoffman is the Contact Center Manager for the Kansas Department of Labor. She has been with the agency for eight years, including three in her current role. She oversees the Unemployment Insurance Contact Center, Adjudication Department, and a team of Staff Development Specialists —leading a combined team of approximately 90 employees. Stephanie is a 2024 graduate of the University of Kansas Certified Public Manager® Program and holds a degree from Washburn University.
Aaron Norris | I/DD Licensing Manager
Aaron Norris serves as the I/DD Licensing Manager for KDADS, overseeing the licensing and regulatory compliance of Day, Residential, and TCM services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 30 years of experience serving diverse communities in Kansas, she brings a strong commitment to working within systems to enhance quality of services and a deep understanding of how policy can positively influence the lives of those receiving public services.
Robin Lohman | Assistant I/DD Director
Robin Lohman is the Assistant I/DD Director for KDADS after joining the organization in the Spring of 2023 after serving as a Director of a Community Developmental Disability Organization Administration. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science from Emporia State University and an associate in business from Neosho County Community College. After college, she traveled throughout the United States surveying power lines before entering the I/DD and non-profit world in 2015 as a Targeted Case Manager. She serves on her local school board and several non-profit coalitions, established 2 Oxford Houses, and plays the flute and oboe in the Iola Orchestra and the Iola Summer Band.
Seth Kilber | Assistant Commission for Long Term Services and Supports
Seth Kilber is the Assistant Commission for Long Term Services and Supports.
Stephanie Davidson | Behavioral Health and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Director.
Stephanie Davidson is the Behavioral Health and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Director.
Melinda Mehaffy | Economic Development Director
Melinda Mehaffy is the Economic Development Director of the City of Excelsior Springs. She has spent 30+ years working to make the communities of Clay County Missouri stronger and better. She joined Excelsior Springs during the beginning of their Communities of Excellence journey and is pleased to share their story. She is a current CPM student and a recent graduate of the Emerging Leaders Academy.
Andy Huckaba | Consultant
Andy Huckaba is a former Lenexa City Councilmember, executive coach, and leadership consultant with over 25 years of experience in public service and civic engagement. He played a key role in the visioning, planning, and development of Lenexa City Center and brings a unique perspective on how community vision, political will, and public-private collaboration can shape transformative civic projects. Andy is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a sought-after facilitator on leadership, strategy, and public sector innovation.
Jayne Siemens | President of Venice Communications
Jayne Siemens is President of Venice Communications and a results-oriented, creative, innovative professional with 30+ years of diverse experience in managing and executing public involvement, stakeholder development, public affairs and grass roots community engagement programs for transportation and planning projects. This includes marquee projects such as the NorthRail Streetcar Study, Tulsa Regional Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trails Plan, the Johnson County Transit Strategic Plan and the Leavenworth Priorities for Progress Plan. She also manages local and national public relations, branding, social media and marketing campaigns.
Marnie Schubert | CEO of Worthy Communication
Marnie Schubert is the CEO of Worthy Communication, helping local governments strengthen public trust through clear communication, strategic messaging, and effective public engagement. With nearly 30 years of experience in local government and media, she works with cities, counties, and public agencies to navigate complex issues and strengthen their connection with residents.
Rachel Krause | WAY TO GO Program Coordinator
Rachel Krause is the WAY TO GO Program Coordinator at the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the Kansas City region’s council of governments and metropolitan planning organization. With a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and more than a decade of experience in program management and community-focused storytelling, Rachel leads initiatives that promote green transportation across the Kansas City region through their work at MARC.
Karen Clawson | Air & Mobility Programs Manager
Karen Clawson is the Air & Mobility Programs Manager at Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the Kansas City region’s council of governments and metropolitan planning organization. She received a Master in Urban Planning and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from the University of Kansas. Her career has centered on the integration of transportation and environmental policy, as well as designing and executing community engagement processes and educational campaigns.
Mike Day | Fire Captain
Mike Day is a Captain with the Olathe (KS) Fire Department, bringing over 30 years of emergency service experience, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS. As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, Mike has faced unique challenges and gained invaluable insights into how to best serve individuals with special needs in emergency situations. He has presented on similar topics at multiple venues, including the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Conference in Dallas, TX, the National Fire Academy's (NFA) TRADE Conference in Emmitsburg, MD, and most recently at the Kansas Chapter of the IAAI. Mike holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.
