In 2016, the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (Innovation Center) was started as a private operating foundation by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation (Hansen Foundation). The Hansen Foundation had become fully vested and their board saw need in areas pertaining to business and economy that were outside of their realm of focus, but in which work would positively benefit their efforts.
After establishing the Innovation Center, the Hansen Board set out to find someone to lead the organization. Scott Sproul, 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. Sproul was hired as Chief Executive Officer from the inception of the organization.
Based in Ellis County, board member Clare Gustin has worked in community and economic development across the territory. Gustin spent almost 25 years in a high-ranking role at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation. Additionally, she has experience as an Economic Development Finance Professional for the National Development Council Gustin brings this experience along with her to the Innovation Center Board. Gustin is a retiree who enjoys spending time with husband Brent and family.
Mike Posson, Norton, has been a board member since May 2016. Posson spent considerable time traveling and living in various locations worldwide before making his eventual return to Norton. His accolades include possessing a Mechanical Engineering degree from Kansas State University and serving in various high-ranking roles in various work positions, including serving as President of Duoline Technologies for twenty-one years and a Technical Manager for Rice Engineering and Operating LTD for an additional seven and a half years. Posson has also participated in and led many organizations in Kansas, such as serving as a wKREDA Board Member, Greater Northwest Community Foundation Board Member, and his current term as part of the Innovation Center Board.
Luke Mahin is a native of Courtland, Kansas and a graduate of FHSU with a degree in Communication Studies. Luke previously served as the Republic County Economic Development director for 8 years. He currently owns and operates a microbrewery, Irrigation Ales, with his wife Jennifer in Courtland, which opened in 2022. He serves currently on the Kansas Sampler Foundation and previously the Republic County Community Foundation. Luke spends his free time traveling, gravel biking, and spending time with his wife and newborn son.
Morris Engle brings his knowledge of the loan process and finance to the Innovation Center Board. Following a long and successful career in commercial banking, including a stint as Vice President at First National Bank and Trust Company in Phillipsburg for 30 years, Engle joined the Innovation Center board in 2016. In his spare time, Engle enjoys spending time with his wife, Julia, and his family.
Sandy joined the board in 2023. She has an extensive business background, beginning her career in 1969 as a receptionist at American Finance, she become the first female manager nationwide. She ended her career as an executive vice president of Sunflower Bank and immediately began her second career in community service. She’s involved in various community organizations, and received numerous awards, including being inducted in the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. Currently, she serves as a Hays City Commissioner. Sandy is a graduate of Hays High School and the Graduate School of Banking. She and her husband, Dan, live in Hays. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Originally from Brewster, Kansas, Eric Brown brings 15 years of experience in economic development, leadership, board management, and consulting to the Innovation Center Board. Brown graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. He previously served as President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, where he represented more than 800 businesses and organizations. In his current role as Hutton’s Northern Kansas Business Development Manager, he works with private owners, municipalities, institutions, and nonprofits across Kansas to help bring design and construction visions to life. Brown and his wife, Danielle, also a Fort Hays State University graduate, live in Salina with their two children.
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!
