The Innovation Center staff is instrumental in guiding the direction of the organization, but none of this work could be carried out without the amazing Innovation Center staff. Meet the dedicated people that serve Northwest and North Central Kansas so well.
After establishing the Innovation Center, the Hansen Board set out to find someone to lead the organization. Scott, out of Edmond, became a top prospect because of the work that he had already done in the area as a representative of Nex-Tech and as the City/County Economic Development Director for Norton. Scott was hired as Chief Executive Officer from the inception of the organization.
Michelle joined the Innovation Center as the Business Office Manager in 2017.
She holds a bachelor’s in general studies/business administration and management from Fort Hays State University. Originally from Decatur County, Prewo currently lives in Logan. Before joining the Innovation Center, Michelle was an integral part of the offices at Nex-Tech as an administrative assistant there for nine years.
Situated in Norton, Maria became a member of the Innovation Center team in 2020. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Butler County, her expertise lies in software development. As a Grow with Google Partner, Maria currently heads our Cybersecurity and Google Certification programs. Although originally hailing from California, she has developed a deep affection for rural living and proudly regards Kansas as her home.
Dana joined the Innovation Center in 2023. She brings 17 years of experience as the former Grants and Outreach Coordinator for USD 489 Early Childhood Connections in Hays. She’s eager to apply her expertise to address childcare needs in Northwest Kansas. Dana and her husband, Andy Stanton, a Northwest Kansas native, have been residing in Hays since 2005, and they have three children: Jackson, Gracie Jo, and Gabriel.
Randy joined the Innovation Center in 2023 as our first Regional Housing Specialist. He previously served as the Housing Specialist for the Kansas Department of Commerce. His work involved collaborating with various organizations to ensure the availability of quality, affordable housing across Kansas. Originally from Leavenworth, Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washburn University.
Joe, a retired member of the Kansas Army National Guard and accomplished professional, now serves as the Business Services Director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center at the Innovation Center. With a background in management, financial planning, and a strong commitment to community involvement, Joe brings a wealth of experience to his role. His diverse career includes positions in manufacturing, retail, and government service, making him a valuable asset to the Innovation Center’s mission of fostering economic growth in Northwest Kansas.
For the past twenty years, Michael Berges has been building his management and development skills throughout Northwest Kansas and now he brings these skills to the Innovation Center as part of the Business Services Team. His experience includes hotel management, foundation development, and financial and investment management. As a Business Support Program Specialist, Michael works to strengthen businesses in the Innovation Center’s 26-County service area. Michael resides in Hays where he is a proud Fort Hays State University alumnus. Michael and his wife Erica have three sons Jackson, Noah, and Isaac.
Monte Keller has a proven track record in Northwest Kansas having worked in lending and finance for the last thirty-nine years. Now Monte brings these skills to the Innovation Center clients as a Business Services Consultant. He is especially skilled in SBA Loan applications, USDA Rural Development applications, raising business capital, business succession planning, and business expansion. Monte and his family currently reside in Palco where he is active in the community.
Calan Landreth joined the Innovation Center team in 2024 as the Workforce Program Specialist. He is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in client services and program development. A proud graduate of California Baptist University, Calan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Originally from a mix of Texas and California, he has called Northwest Kansas home for nearly 4 years. He also coaches track & field at Fort Hays State University. Calan is happily married to his wife, Kylee, and is a proud father of their daughter, Edelyn.
The Innovation Center staff is instrumental in guiding the direction of the organization, but none of this work could be carried out without the amazing Innovation Center staff. Meet the dedicated people that serve Northwest and North Central Kansas so well.
After establishing the Innovation Center, the Hansen Board set out to find someone to lead the organization. Scott, out of Edmond, became a top prospect because of the work that he had already done in the area as a representative of Nex-Tech and as the City/County Economic Development Director for Norton. Scott was hired as Chief Executive Officer from the inception of the organization.
Michelle joined the Innovation Center as the Business Office Manager in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s in general studies/business administration and management from Fort Hays State University. Originally from Decatur County, Prewo currently lives in Logan. Before joining the Innovation Center, Michelle was an integral part of the offices at Nex-Tech as an administrative assistant there for nine years.
Situated in Norton, Maria became a member of the Innovation Center team in 2020. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Butler County, her expertise lies in software development. As a Grow with Google Partner, Maria currently heads our Cybersecurity and Google Certification programs. Although originally hailing from California, she has developed a deep affection for rural living and proudly regards Kansas as her home.
Dana joined the Innovation Center in 2023. She brings 17 years of experience as the former Grants and Outreach Coordinator for USD 489 Early Childhood Connections in Hays. She’s eager to apply her expertise to address childcare needs in Northwest Kansas. Dana and her husband, Andy Stanton, a Northwest Kansas native, have been residing in Hays since 2005, and they have three children: Jackson, Gracie Jo, and Gabriel.
Randy joined the Innovation Center in 2023 as our first Regional Housing Specialist. He previously served as the Housing Specialist for the Kansas Department of Commerce. His work involved collaborating with various organizations to ensure the availability of quality, affordable housing across Kansas. Originally from Leavenworth, Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washburn University.
Joe, a retired member of the Kansas Army National Guard and accomplished professional, now serves as the Business Services Director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center at the Innovation Center. With a background in management, financial planning, and a strong commitment to community involvement, Joe brings a wealth of experience to his role. His diverse career includes positions in manufacturing, retail, and government service, making him a valuable asset to the Innovation Center’s mission of fostering economic growth in Northwest Kansas.
For the past twenty years, Michael Berges has been building his management and development skills throughout Northwest Kansas and now he brings these skills to the Innovation Center as part of the Business Services Team. His experience includes hotel management, foundation development, and financial and investment management. As a Business Support Program Specialist, Michael works to strengthen businesses in the Innovation Center’s 26-County service area. Michael resides in Hays where he is a proud Fort Hays State University alumnus. Michael and his wife Erica have three sons Jackson, Noah, and Isaac.
Monte Keller has a proven track record in Northwest Kansas having worked in lending and finance for the last thirty-nine years. Now Monte brings these skills to the Innovation Center clients as a Business Services Consultant. He is especially skilled in SBA Loan applications, USDA Rural Development applications, raising business capital, business succession planning, and business expansion. Monte and his family currently reside in Palco where he is active in the community.
Calan Landreth joined the Innovation Center team in 2024 as the Workforce Program Specialist. He is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in client services and program development. A proud graduate of California Baptist University, Calan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Originally from a mix of Texas and California, he has called Northwest Kansas home for nearly 4 years. He also coaches track & field at Fort Hays State University. Calan is happily married to his wife, Kylee, and is a proud father of their daughter, Edelyn.
