The NXTUS Inc. entrepreneurial organization in Wichita has added some well-known local names to its board of directors as it looks to expand it reach and impact in 2021.
Joining the board will be Wayne Bell, district director of the U.S. Small Business Association; Kaye Monk-Morgan, vice president for strategic engagement and planning at Wichita State University; and Luis Rodriguez, president of Wichita-based software company Keycentrix LLC.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are the growth engine necessary to propel communities and economies forward,” NXTUS President Josh Oeding said in a press release. “The opportunity for Wichita to further support and invest in our local startup community is significant, and the time is now. The talented individuals joining our board and our team are a testament to the commitment shown by many throughout our community to make this happen.”
In addition to the three new members, as well as Oeding, the NXTUS board in 2021 will include:
• Erik Pedersen, vice president of entrepreneurship at NetWork Kansas, who will serve as chairman.
• Trish Brasted, president of Wichita Technology Corp.
• Bill Gardner, president of Gardner Design.
• Gary Oborny, CEO of Occidental Management.
• Kylie Stupka, president of Youth Entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the organization has also added to its staff, announcing the hiring of Kate Duxler as director of strategic partnerships.
Duxler holds a degree in financial management from the University of New Mexico and has been involved in numerous entrepreneurial efforts in that state, as well as Washington state and New Mexico.
“Kate’s entrepreneurial career and business- and community-development experience are a perfect fit for our mission,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, executive director at NXTUS. “We can make huge strides in growing our economy and building more vibrant communities if we support entrepreneurs and embrace innovation. Kate will help us build a strong coalition of business and community organizations that agree with that and are ready to throw their support behind these vital efforts.”
