As 2019 comes to a close, we want to say thank you for giving your time, lending your voice and donating to KC Healthy Kids. Your investment makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across the bi-state region.
KC Healthy Kids is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle Robbins-Gregory as president, effective November 12, 2018. Danielle is a healthcare executive and children’s advocate with nearly twenty years of experience developing health and wellness programs and speaking out on behalf of children and adults across the Kansas City metro area. Previously Danielle served as vice president of quality development at ReDiscover, a community mental health agency with a staff of 600 healthcare professionals who serve 10,000 clients annually. In this role, she created and managed cross-system collaborations among community organizations and secured funds to sustain programming. The scope of her work at ReDiscover involved Kansas City area children’s services, health departments, service agencies, school districts, health clinics and support service agencies. “It is an amazing opportunity for me to join KC Healthy Kids' team, a group of talented professionals committed to advancing children’s health across our community,” said Danielle. “I am energized to expand advocacy and programs to increase opportunities for healthy eating and active living.” Earlier in her career, Danielle served as associate director at Resource Development Institute and as a case manager at Cornerstones of Care's Gillis Campus. She held a clinical instructor appointment at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, for 12 years. Danielle holds a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Black Hills State University. She resides in the Northland with her husband, Dr. Dick Gregory, and their 7-year old son, Chase. Jerry W. Glazier, board chair, said, “What attracted the board of directors to Danielle, among other skills, are her demonstrated leadership and her ability to help organizations grow. Her addition to the organization will allow KC Healthy Kids to further build upon its impact on our community, continuing to realize the vision of our founders, Dr. and Mrs. Frederick and Louise Rice Hartwig.” KC Healthy Kids rallies the people in our communities to improve access to affordable fresh food and safe places to walk and play. When our neighborhoods support healthy habits, we are less likely to suffer from obesity, which is linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and poor mental health. To make a lasting impact, we shape policies that improve our food system and physical surroundings, and, ultimately, the places where we live, work, learn and play. Dear Friends, Being a part of KC Healthy Kids from its beginning in 2004 has been an amazing experience. Working with others to build an organization dedicated to children’s health, with the goal of increasing opportunities for healthy eating and active living, has inspired new ideas and opened connections to countless smart and passionate people. That’s why it was so difficult to make the personal decision to move my family back to Cleveland. Over the last few years, my husband and I have felt the need to be closer to his family and to be more present for our teen daughters before they leave for college. (Surely others of you in this aptly-named “Sandwich Generation” have felt a similar pull?) I am genuinely proud of KC Healthy Kids’ accomplishments and have no doubt the organization will continue to make great strides in achieving its mission.
With its talented and committed staff, board, volunteers, contractors and partners, I feel confident KC Healthy Kids will continue to reshape our region for better health. This is not a goodbye…yet. I will remain involved with KC Healthy Kids until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition for our next leader. And even then, I hope I will be saying “see you soon” as I engage with Kansas City partners in a new, more flexible way as a nonprofit consultant. In the meantime, I invite you to check out the position description and encourage your esteemed friends and colleagues to do the same. With personal and professional gratitude, Gretchen H. Kunkel A message from our board of directors We have been fortunate to have Gretchen help create, build and lead KC Healthy Kids over these last 15 years. During her tenure, the organization has emerged as a recognized leader in helping transform Greater Kansas City into a healthier region. Although we will miss her, we are excited for the new opportunities that await her. With this transition, we are also excited to begin our search for a seasoned professional who will lead KC Healthy Kids and continue its mission of promoting children’s health by increasing opportunities for healthy eating and active living. If you would you like to be part of growing a dynamic organization in concert with a strong board, staff and community partners and lead a local movement that pushes for systemic change supporting health, we welcome your interest. Learn more here. Sincerely, The Board of Directors of KC Healthy Kids The Mid-America Regional Council will hold its 20th Annual Regional Assembly on Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Downtown Marriott Muehlebach Hotel, 1213 Wyandotte Street, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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