Have you ever heard the phrase “community volunteer” and wondered what that means? Try keeping up with Gayle Malone on any given day and you’ll understand. Fund raising for the Zoo, helping children with dyxlexia learn to read at Fundamental Learning Center, organizing volunteers for the Junior League, she has a reputation for getting things done and doing them well. Her goal- making Wichita a better place to live.

"I think Wichita is a great place to live and I'm glad to be involved. I've been afforded some great opportunities and made a lot of great friends through volunteering."
Sheryl Wohlford, the Foundation’s vice chairman, is president of Automation-Plus, Inc., a small woman owned business that is a leader in the aerospace parts marking business. Sheryl is active in many community activities including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Young Professionals.

Well known to the Wichita community as one of the principals of the accounting firm of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, Steve Houlik has a long record of community service. Pursuing a variety of interests, he currently serves on the boards of the Sedgwick County Zoo, United Way and Goodwill Industries. He is the current treasurer of the Wichita Community Foundation.

Phil Neff, former WCF Board chair and retired President & CEO of Willis North America, is active on the Foundation’s Investment Committee. He is known for his leadership of area nonprofits, most recently Via Christi and his hands-on volunteer work with Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jerry Aaron recently retired as counsel of Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Inc. but has not relinquished his entrepreneurial spirit. He is passionate about Wichita State, supporting various aspects of Shocker athletics and the W. Frank Barton School of Business. He tends to find his way onto boards that help those most in need in our community.

When Pamela Clancy Ammar retired from a distinguished career as a trial lawyer specializing in medical malpractice defense litigation, she utilized her talents to become a passionate advocate for those in need in the Wichita community. Her interests range from the Wichita Children’s Home, Wichita State University, Wesley Medical Center, the Lord’s Diner and beyond. Able and insightful, Pam has an established reputation as a nonprofit leader whatever the task she undertakes. Joining the Foundation Board of Directors in 2011, she is fully engaged in its good work and active in shaping its future vision.

Don Barry, a retirement specialist for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, believes in helping people. His attention to detail and corporate skills translate through his service on community boards such as Goodwill Industries, Exploration Place, the Kansas Humane Society and the Wichita Public Library Foundation. His preferred causes center on children and education.

Brian A. Black serves as the Senior Manager for Corporate Public Affairs and Global Diversity for Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. He manages the budget for corporate contributions, community partnering, and response to community needs. Known for his wit and charm, he excels at building relationships with key leaders in the business, civic and non-profit communities. Prior to joining Spirit, Black was the President and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a community service award from President William Jefferson Clinton.

“Meeting my little brother once a week makes me a happier man at a time I thought I was already happy.”
One of our city's most ardent volunteers, Bill Hanna is a fortunate addition to any Board of Directors. Since retiring as president of Koch Industries, Inc., you can regularly find Bill working with kids as a mentor for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has transitioned from the highest corporate ranks to working effectively with at-risk kids on a one to one basis. He blends his business acumen easily with his passion for the community. And don’t tell him you’re too busy to help, because he can show you exactly how you can make a difference by volunteering one hour a week.

A member of the Wichita firm of Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, Ed Healy regularly volunteers his time on behalf of a variety of educational, civic and community organizations, including Duke University, Center for Health and Wellness, Inc., and Kansas University Endowment Association.  He currently serves on the boards of the Ulrich Museum of Art, and the Kansas University Endowment Association.

William “Skip” Hidlay is a 30 year veteran of the news media and strategic communications industry. Former publisher of The Wichita Eagle and current head of communications for Via Christi Health, the largest health care system in Kansas, he is known for his high energy and command of language. Skip serves on the boards of the Wichita Art Museum, the Wichita Technology Corp. and the Sports Commission.

Al Higdon is co-founder of Sullivan Higdon & Sink, advertising and public relations firm, from which he retired at the end of 1996 as chairman/CEO.  For the next 10 years, on a pro bono basis, he taught graduate level marketing courses at Wichita State University, and also mentored students and faculty, while serving as a link between the Elliott School of Communication and the area professional community. His involvements in the Wichita community have included: chair, WSU Foundation; chair Exploration Place board of trustees; president Music Theatre of Wichita;
president Wichita River Festival; trustee Wichita Art Museum; vice chair Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce; president Wichita Business Responsibility Council; and laureate, Junior Achievement/Wichita Business Hall of Fame. He volunteers one day each week with the Red Cross, while continuing to mentor students and young communications professionals.

Ron Paulseen and his wife Jenny have lived in Wichita since 1972. Ron owns and operates Paulseen Financial Group along with his daughter Aeramy Porter and his son Brandon Paulseen. Their primary focus is on tax and transition planning. He has served as President of the New York Life’s Agents Advisory Council, a national board member of The Nautilus Group and is the incoming President of New York Life’s Agents Reinsurance Company.

Lynn is a retired advertising executive and former Wichita Ad Woman of the Year.  During her 20 year career, in addition to overseeing the creative output of Stephan Advertising Agency and servicing accounts, she received dozens of awards for advertising excellence.  Lynn is a community volunteer, presently serving on the boards of the Kansas Humane Society and KPTS, where she is the past chair.  She also serves on the advisory boards for the WSU Elliott School and the WSU Alumni Association.  She holds a MALS degree from Wichita State University.

As a child, Barry Schwan chose to play the accordion which he insists “shows you what an unusual sort of person I am." Unusual and talented. Beginning his career as a teacher, he was drawn back to Wichita and into his family’s business, House of Schwan, a wholesale Anheuser-Busch distributor. By 1985 he was president of the company and active on a number of civic Boards including the WSU Foundation, Heartspring, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Greater Wichita Chamber of Commerce. Blending his corporate and sales abilities with purpose, he is clearly a champion of those in need and an outstanding addition to the Foundation Board of Directors.