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.
Joe Leroux serves as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Innovation Center. A retired member of the Kansas Army National Guard, Joe brings extensive experience in management, financial planning, and a deep commitment to community engagement. He holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. Joe is dedicated to advancing the Innovation Center’s mission of fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses in Northwest Kansas. His diverse professional background spans manufacturing, retail, and government service, equipping him with a well-rounded skill set to drive the Center’s operations and strategic initiatives. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in helping local businesses thrive, contributing to the region’s economic development.
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.
Caden joined the Innovation Center in 2024 and is one of its newest members. Originally from Russell, he recently graduated from Kansas State University with a Master’s in Regional and Community Planning. His research reflects his passion for rural community preservation. As the Regional Housing Planner, Caden specializes in helping communities identify their specific housing needs and implement local plans into action.
With over twenty years of experience building his management and development skills throughout Northwest Kansas, Michael Berges now serves as the Business Services Director at the Innovation Center. In this role, Michael leads initiatives to strengthen and support businesses across the Innovation Center’s 26-county service area. Michael’s diverse background includes hotel management, foundation development, and financial and investment management. His expertise and leadership in these areas allow him to provide valuable guidance and resources to local businesses, helping them grow and thrive in a dynamic economic landscape. A proud Fort Hays State University alumnus, Michael resides in Hays with his wife, Erica, and their 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.
Natalie Ellis joined the Innovation Center as a Business Services Specialist in 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in public relations from Fort Hays State University. Originally from Hays, Kansas, Natalie has over ten years of experience in marketing and project management. Before joining the Innovation Center, she was the Regional Marketing Manager at Vyve Broadband and the Marketing Manager at DSNWK. Natalie is also actively involved in Ellis County community development.
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.
Joe Leroux serves as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Innovation Center. A retired member of the Kansas Army National Guard, Joe brings extensive experience in management, financial planning, and a deep commitment to community engagement. He holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. Joe is dedicated to advancing the Innovation Center’s mission of fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses in Northwest Kansas. His diverse professional background spans manufacturing, retail, and government service, equipping him with a well-rounded skill set to drive the Center’s operations and strategic initiatives. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in helping local businesses thrive, contributing to the region’s economic development.
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.
Caden joined the Innovation Center in 2024 and is one of its newest members. Originally from Russell, he recently graduated from Kansas State University with a Master’s in Regional and Community Planning. His research reflects his passion for rural community preservation. As the Regional Housing Planner, Caden specializes in helping communities identify their specific housing needs and implement local plans into action.
With over twenty years of experience building his management and development skills throughout Northwest Kansas, Michael Berges now serves as the Business Services Director at the Innovation Center. In this role, Michael leads initiatives to strengthen and support businesses across the Innovation Center’s 26-county service area. Michael’s diverse background includes hotel management, foundation development, and financial and investment management. His expertise and leadership in these areas allow him to provide valuable guidance and resources to local businesses, helping them grow and thrive in a dynamic economic landscape. A proud Fort Hays State University alumnus, Michael resides in Hays with his wife, Erica, and their 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.
Natalie Ellis joined the Innovation Center as a Business Services Specialist in 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in public relations from Fort Hays State University. Originally from Hays, Kansas, Natalie has over ten years of experience in marketing and project management. Before joining the Innovation Center, she was the Regional Marketing Manager at Vyve Broadband and the Marketing Manager at DSNWK. Natalie is also actively involved in Ellis County community development.
The Kansas Housing Cooperative Program is on its way to helping families build new homes in Northwest Kansas. Stay tuned as we finalize the details of this exciting initiative. Check back soon for more information!
