Meet Our Team

Dr. William Vann holds Doctorate of Theology, a Masters in Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a certificate of ordination from Aenon Bible College. Dr. Vann is an adjunct professor for Tabor College Wichita and for over twenty years Dr. Vann has been involved in the design, support and implementation of programs to strengthen and encourage young people. Presently, he directs his emphasis towards the plight and hopelessness that is plaguing young men in our society in urban environments from a diversity of ethnic and economic backgrounds. He is dedicated to helping young men reach their full potential and become productive citizens and responsible fathers. Dr. Vann is an entrepreneur owning several businesses to include River City Plating and BaM Group. Dr. Vann was awarded the 1999 Minority Businessman of the Year award for the state of Kansas and received the Governors Distinguished Citizen award for his work in community service. Dr. Vann has set on several boards including North Branch YMCA, Union Rescue Mission, and Rise Up for Youth. 

Dr. Michelle Vann, Dcc, ThD, MS, Secretary (African American) retains a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, a Master in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in History, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Dr. Vann retired from the Wichita Public Schools after 20 years of service. Dr. Vann presently serves as an Educational Consultant for Kansas Strong. This has given her many opportunities to impact both probationary teachers and young people alike. Dr. Vann works at Friends University as the Dual Credit Coordinator and as an Adjunct Professor for Tabor College. Dr. Vann engages in the community through The Center, Young Life, Partners for Wichita/Samaritan Group. She serves on the Dunbar Theater Advisory Board and several other community organizations.

Marvin Rice, Vice Chair (African American) is a passionate and dedicated man with over a decade of experience in the Behavioral Health field. With proven expertise in both Mental Health and Substance Abuse sectors, Marvin has made a meaningful impact through various roles such as Adult and Youth Case Manager, Admissions Director for a Substance Abuse Center, and Co-Director of New Jerusalem Missions. His commitment to community well-being extends beyond clinical settings into community organizing, championing Community Health Equity, and serving as a Police and Sheriff's Department Chaplain for five years. In his extensive career, Marvin has also dedicated a decade to advocating for homeless individuals and families, particularly focusing on housing and mental health needs. He has played a pivotal role in establishing emergency shelter programs and Transitional Living facilities for men, addressing the critical issue of homelessness and poverty. Marvin's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Bethel College, reflecting his diverse skill set and strategic mindset in addressing complex challenges. Additionally, he holds certifications in Youth Pastor Leadership, Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Prevention, and Intervention, and has completed Community Leadership training from the Kansas Leadership Center, underscoring his continuous commitment to personal and professional growth. With a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for uplifting marginalized communities, Marvin Rice continues to make a positive impact in the Behavioral Health field, advocating for those in need and striving for a more equitable and inclusive society.

John Singleton, Ret. Wichita, KS Fire Department -Treasurer,  held an illustrious three-decade career dedicated to public safety and community service. His unwavering commitment to the field of fire prevention and suppression is marked by numerous acknowledgments and the gratitude of the countless lives he has protected. Throughout his tenure, John has been at the forefront in the identification and neutralization of hazardous materials, safeguarding citizens and environment alike. His expert knowledge in these crucial areas stands as a testament to the comprehensive training and experience he gained over the years. Beyond his fire service, John's proficiency extends to critical medical emergency response. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, skilled in delivering life-saving procedures such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and adept in the application of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Janet Federico, MSBA, Strategic Planning Committee Member (Italian American) holds a Master of Business Administration from Ellis College, a Master of Fine Arts from Wichita State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Kaplan University. Mrs. Federico is an artist, writer, educator, and speaker. She is the owner of Owl Medicine Designs specializing in statement wallpapers and bold textiles as well as illustrations and hand lettering. Her art has been exhibited at the Wichita Art Museum, the Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery, City Arts, and InterUrban Art House. Janet’s writing has been featured in Elephant Journal, Writer’s Digest, and The Mighty. Within the Wichita community, Mrs. Federico is dedicated to teaching individuals who have experienced traumatic events to process their experiences using the creative arts. Mrs. Federico has served on multiple boards, including Sistahs Can We Talk, the District 3 Citizens Advisory Board for Sedgwick County, and the Sedgwick County Community Corrections Advisory Board.

Claude Thompson, Jr. BS, Retired USAF, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) retired from the Armed force after servicing 28 years in the Air Force. While serving in the Air Force he was a Production Superintendent in charge of aircraft deployment. He participated in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received numerous laudatory comments from his Group Commander, particularly for his lead role in the generation of six B-1 bombers that forward deployed during the initial phase of the war on terrorism. Mr. Thompson, originally from Sacramento California, arrived in Wichita via the Air Force in August of 2008. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Kansas Driver Motor. Mr. Thomson is passionate about helping people and keeping the environment clean. He  volunteeres for numerous organization designs to help people and to protect the environment to include The Lord’s Diner, Young Men Christian org, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Adopt-a-highway, Christian food give-a-way and Top Three.

Robbie Ray, MHRD, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) is a retired Information Technology Manager for Boeing/Spirit AeroSystems Inc., and Program Mentor at Western Governors University (WGU), Graduate College of Business.  Robbie's academic accomplishments include a Master of Arts in Human Resource / Organizational Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Robbie’s professional experience includes 29 plus years in the Commercial Aviation Industry as an Information Technology Manager and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Material Requirements Planning discipline and Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP). Along with five years in higher learner education as a Program Mentor. Robbie’s community service involvement includes, Iasis Christian Center, The Center, Wichita Urban League Auxiliary Guild, K-12 Mentoring with USD 259, Salvation Army Foster Care Program, Cultural Diversity Infinity Group President, and The Academy of Excellence (AOE).

Dr. Donnis McPhaul, PhD, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) academic accomplishments embraces a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, with a specialization in Human Resource Management, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development and Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Western Governors University (WGU) has employed Dr. McPhaul as a Program Mentor in the College of Business for more than eight years. Dr. McPhaul has more than nine years of experience as an Adjunct Professor for Tabor College, Baker University, and Newman University. Prior to WGU, Dr. McPhaul had a 35-year career with The Boeing Company. Dr. McPhaul finds great pleasure in working with the elderly and children and often volunteers throughout the community supporting The Center, Academy of Excellence, The Boys and Girls Club, The Young Men Christian Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army. Dr. McPhaul serves on Simply Hygiene Executive Board of Directors.