About Us

Commissioners

Overview

The Commission is composed of 30 members - 15 appointed by the Governor of Kansas and 15 ex officio members by virtue of their position within Kansas state government. Ex officio members may appoint a designee to represent them at the KCDC meetings.

Of the appointed members, preference is given for Kansans representing each of the following categories:

  • Industry
  • Labor
  • Community-based independent living programs
  • Rehabilitation programs
  • Education programs
  • Disability or rehabilitation research programs
  • Private, nonprofit organizations serving Kansans with disabilities
  • At least eight appointed members must be Kansans with disabilities. Appointed members serve for a term of three years.

Appointed Members

  • Rachel Mayberry, Andover, 2025
  • Rob Egan, Wichita, 2026
  • Dr. Stephen Miller, Parsons, 2026
  • Rick Shellenbarger, Valley Center, 2020
  • John Lair, Shawnee, 2024
  • Claire Reagan, Olathe, 2026
  • Emily Hamm, Ottawa, 2026
  • Vacant, 2020
  • Shanti Ramcharan, Topeka, 2026
  • Don Woodard, Auburn, 2024
  • Bob Cantin, Olathe, 2025
  • Brian Ellefson, Olathe, 2026
  • Ranita Wilks, Lawrence, 2026
  • Vacant, 2022
  • Vacant, 2021

Ex Officio Members and their Designees

  • Adam Proffitt, Secretary, Department of Administration
    • Anthony Fadale, Designee
  • Laura Howard, Secretary, Department on Aging and Disability Services
    • Drew Adkins, Designee
  • David Toland, Secretary, Department of Commerce
    • Susan Weidenbach, Designee
  • Janet Stanek, Secretary, Department of Health and Environment
    • Cora Ungerer, Designee
  • Amber Shultz, Secretary, Department of Labor
    • Todd Thornburg, Designee
  • Laura Howard, Secretary, Department of Children and Families
    • Jenae L. Heller, Designee
  • Calvin Reed, Acting Secretary, Department of Transportation
    • Rene Hart, Designee
  • Michele Heydon, Commissioner, Disability and Behavioral Health Policy, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
    • Leigh Smith, Designee
  • Daniel Decker, Director, Kansas Rehabilitation Services
  • Bert Moore, Director of Special Education Department of Education
    • Stacie Martin, Designee
  • Karey Padding, Chair, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
  • Ty Masterson, Senate President
    • Senator Rick Billinger, Designee
  • Dinah Sykes, Senate Minority Leader
    • Robyn Herzog, Designee
  • Dan Hawkins, Speaker, House of Representatives
    • Representative Carrie Barth, Designee
  • Vic Miller, Minority Leader, House of Representatives
    • Representative Dennis (Boog) Highberger, Designee