NetWork Kansas Team

Steve Radley, Chief Executive Officer

Steve Radley is Chief Executive Officer of NetWork Kansas. A resident of Wichita, Steve began his career in the private sector as the 28th employee of a business startup technology company, Brite Voice Systems in Wichita. The company grew from $6 million to more than $175 million during the nine years Steve worked for Kansas entrepreneur Stan Brannan. Since then, Steve has co-owned two businesses including a manufactured housing dealership that was sold to the largest manufacturer in the country, Champion Enterprises. Steve’s work experience centers on business development and taking products and businesses from startup to maturity. Steve has an MBA from the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, an MA in Christian Ministry from Friends University, and a BA in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma.

Email: [email protected]
X: @SteveRadley3

 

Erik Pedersen, President and Chief Operating Officer

Erik is the President and Chief Operating Officer for the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship DBA NetWork Kansas. Erik’s initial task was the development and growth of the NetWork Kansas referral center. Erik’s responsibilities have grown to oversee the Entrepreneurship (E-) Community partnership. This partnership, which has grown to 69 E-Communities, includes an injection of capital raised locally through the NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Program to help start and grow businesses in rural Kansas communities. Erik graduated from Friends University in 1988 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Erik began his career in 1990 when he went to work for a Wichita-based technology startup company, Brite Voice Systems, owned by Stan Brannan. At Brite Voice, Erik worked in marketing and business development. In 1997, Erik left Brite Voice to start a manufactured housing dealership with Steve Radley, President of the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship. The business was later sold to the largest manufacturer in the country, Champion Enterprises, and Erik remained with Champion as General Manager until May 2005. Erik’s work experience centers on the overall operation and management of fast growing businesses and organizations.

Email: [email protected]
X: @EPedersenKS

 

Trish Brasted, President, Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV)

Trish Brasted, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder serves as the leader of Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV), a newly created business unit of NetWork Kansas. EGV was created with the acquisition of Wichita Technology Corporation, and Wichita Technology Ventures, (WTV), where Trish served as CEO for the past 25 years. EGV’s mission involves building and enhancing the network of resources to increase the capacity and support for innovative, high growth entrepreneurs in Kansas. EGV collaborates across the state with community leaders, economic development organizations, universities, government entities and other entrepreneur support organizations to provide the entrepreneurs of Kansas valuable access to education, mentorship and capital. The EGV team is also responsible for managing the $27M dollar GROWKS Equity Programs. Trish has a long history in finance and entrepreneurship and understands the risks entrepreneurs face, the courage it takes to start a new venture and the process of growing a successful organization. Under her leadership, her team has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs, and invested seed capital dollars in over 100 technology companies in Kansas. Trish is a CPA, earned her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, and her master’s from Baker University. She is a frequent speaker on accessing venture capital and angel investing and serves on the boards of several private technology companies.

Email: [email protected]
X: @TrishBrasted

 

Imagene Harris, Vice President of Impact Investment Services

Imagene serves as the Vice President of Impact Investment  Services and oversees NetWork Kansas’s statewide funding programs. Imagene joined NetWork Kansas in December 2013 after working in compliance for the Kansas Department of Healthy and Environment (KDHE). She is a lifelong Kansan, hailing from Ottawa and now calling Lawrence home, where she also earned a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. Most recently she completed her Masters of Business Administration from Fort Hays State University. Imagene especially appreciates the opportunity to work for an organization whose resources not only help Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs but also improve the quality of life in Kansas.

Email: [email protected]
X: @imajayhawk

 

Jennifer Hurley, Director of Finance

Jennifer Hurley serves as the Director of Finance where she oversees all accounting processes for NetWork Kansas. She has worked in the Wichita area for the past 9 years focused in the fields of finance, operations, and human resources. Jennifer graduated from Wichita State University with degrees in Accounting and Finance. She is a lifelong Wichita native that looks forward to continuing to serve the community she considers home.

Email: [email protected]

 

Tara Risewick, Director, Business Development

Tara Risewick is the Director of Business Development at NetWork Kansas where she leads efforts to maximize revenue opportunities and foster strategic partnerships, ensuring that NetWork Kansas continues to provide essential support to Kansas entrepreneurs. Previously, Tara served as the Executive Director at the Norton County Community Foundation (NCCF) for ten years, where she significantly expanded the foundation’s size and impact, particularly in impact investing. Tara’s expertise in community development and her entrepreneurial background are pivotal in her current role. She is dedicated to leveraging NetWork Kansas’s strengths to create new revenue streams and ensure the alignment and impact of various funding initiatives. A lifelong Kansan, Tara and her husband own six rural grocery stores in western Kansas, where they have raised their three children.

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tara-risewick

 

Tiffany Nixon, Director, Impact Investment Center

While attending Wichita State University, pursuing her degree in Business Administration in Management, Tiffany took part in the Cooperative Education program and obtained a job with NetWork Kansas as a part-time referral coordinator in May of 2013. Which turned out to be one of her best decisions. She has now been with NetWork Kansas for over 10 years. From connecting entrepreneurs to resources, being a part of the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative Program, to Managing the Impact Investment Center, her role has evolved to be part of a bigger strategic plan for the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship as the Director of Impact Investment Services. Her passion has always been helping others, so getting to work one-on-one with entrepreneurs and resource partners to create an impact in communities is right up her alley. When not in the office you can find her hanging with her fur babies, exploring with friends, yoga, and running.

Email: [email protected]
X: @TiffanyJNixon

 

Amara Kniep, Director, E-Community Partnership

Amara Kniep grew up in Wichita, KS and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Wichita State University. Her professional experience includes both workforce development, at the Kansas Department of Commerce, and economic development, having worked at NetWork Kansas for a total of 11 years. In her current role, Amara oversees all statewide programming and technical assistance.

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amara-k-74709968/

 

Sarah LaRosh, Director of Entrepreneurship Engagement

Sarah eagerly joined NetWork Kansas in 2017 as a Product Manager of Rural Entrepreneurship, Western Region. She comes to NetWork Kansas with a degree from Tabor College in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting and Finance. Her top strengths are Achiever, Positivity, Responsibility, Learner and Belief. Sarah is based out of rural Osborne County where the LaRosh family homesteaded in 1871 and is still deeply entrenched in agriculture. She currently serves as the board chair of the Osborne County Community Foundation and has a tremendous passion for rural Kansas, is “Rural by Choice” and a Kansas Explorer. With three young children Sarah has devoted countless time, talent and treasure to ensuring the betterment of Kansas.

Email: [email protected]
X: @sarahlarosh

 

Thomas Papadatos, Senior Venture Investment Manager, Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV)

Thomas is a Senior Venture Investment Manager for Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV), a business unit of NetWork Kansas that supports innovative high-growth entrepreneurs. EGV works with other entrepreneurial support partners to provide connections, access to business-building resources, and capital to Kansas startups. EGV manages the GROWKS Equity programs and is deploying the $27M allocation by working with angels, angel groups, and venture firms to fund scalable, high-growth companies in the state. Thomas’s responsibilities include portfolio management, due diligence, and collaboration efforts to build upon the growing ecosystem to help drive success for Kansas companies. Thomas graduated from Wichita State University with a BA in Finance and Management Information Systems.

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tpapadatos

 

Bailee Henry, Manager, Entrepreneurship Programming

Bailee Henry joins NetWork Kansas with work experience at the Wabaunsee County Economic Development Office as well as the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University with an emphasis in Public Health. Bailee grew up in Alma, Kansas but currently resides in Manhattan. In Bailee’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, as well as serving as a volunteer coach on a youth softball team. Her passions include helping people and building relationships. Bailee has helped judge KEC as well as KYVEC and looks forward to her role in growing the YEC Series!

Email: [email protected]
X: @bhenry_ks

 

Ciara Miller, Manager, Entrepreneurship Programming

For over three years, Ciara was a staff member in the NetWork Kansas referral center. At the end of 2015, she was hired to be the primary point person for the central region E-Communities. Ciara graduated from Wichita State University with a BS in Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She grew up outside of Towanda, KS but now resides in Wichita. Because she grew up in a rural community and has family members throughout the state in other rural communities, Ciara loves fostering relationships and working with her E-Communities to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture.

Email: clmiller@networkkansas.com
X: @CiaraLynnMiller

 

Christy Preston, Senior Product Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship, Western Region

Christy joined NetWork Kansas in 2019 as a Product Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship, Western Region. Christy grew up on a small family farm in the corner of Northwest Kansas. She comes to NetWork Kansas with more than 15 years of real estate sales experience and nearly four years of economic development experience. Christy worked as the Director of the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance in Colby, Kansas. For Christy, it is about building relationships and helping people. She is passionate about promoting rural entrepreneurs and assisting them in finding solutions and opportunities to enhance their success. Christy is an outdoor enthusiast, loves traveling and most of all spoiling her grandchildren! Christy and her husband live in Selden, Kansas.

Email: [email protected]
X: @Christy71543063

 

Lea Ann Seiler, Manager, Entrepreneurship, Southwest Region

Lea Ann Seiler joins NetWork Kansas as the Manager, Entrepreneurship, Southwest Region. Previous to her role with NetWork Kansas, Lea Ann served as the Hodgeman County Economic Development Director for the past 15 years. Lea Ann is very passionate about the work she does and is an influential and respected leader not only in Hodgeman County but in southwest Kansas.

Her vast experience includes being an Ice House facilitator, Certified Destination Creation Facilitator, Hodgeman County Maker Space Creator, Growing Rural Business Completer, Hodgeman County Maker Camp, YEC, and Acton Children’s Business Fair Director, and CDBG Grant Administrator.

Email: [email protected]
X: @leannseiler22

 

Janet Miller, Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship, Southeast Region

Janet came to NetWork Kansas following 8 years as the Director of the Cherokee County Economic Development Corporation in Columbus, KS. Prior to that role, she headed an Economic Development Center in Laredo, TX for 3 years and served as a business coach for five counties in Northeast Kansas for 7 years. She is a graduate of Kansas State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness and Pennsylvania State University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. She is a Southeast Kansas native having grown up in Howard, KS and currently resides in Columbus, KS with her husband, Tim.

Email: [email protected]
X: @JanetMillerKS

 

 

Kristan Davis, Marketing Associate

Kristan Davis joined NetWork Kansas in 2016, starting her journey in the referral center. With a passion for marketing and a keen eye for design, she transitioned into the marketing team in 2021. As a Marketing Associate, Kristan oversees graphic design requests, manages social media content, handles print requests, and assists with website updates. Her dedication and creativity help ensure that NetWork Kansas’s message is effectively communicated across various platforms.

Email: [email protected]
X: @KristanNDavis

 

Juan Cancino, Product Manager, Resource Network

Juan graduated from Wichita State University in December 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Economics. He initially joined our team as a part-time referral coordinator then transitioned to full-time product manager. His curiosity in knowing more about the inner workings of the economy that drew him to pursue Economics is also what drew him to Network Kansas and its mission to further entrepreneurship. In his free time, Juan enjoys spending time with friends and family, watch soccer and explore the gems of cinema.

Email: [email protected]
X: @JuanCancino0

 

 

Karishma Bhakta, Product Manager, Impact Investment Center

Karishma Bhakta is the Product Manager of the Impact Investment Center. Karishma is a December 2022 graduate of Wichita State with a degree in Computer Science. Karishma brings in experience in the customer support field as well as the hospitality industry. Karishma is originally from California and moved to Kansas in 2014. In her free time, Karishma enjoys spending time with her dog, trying out new coffee shops and spending time with friends and family.

Email: [email protected]

X: @BhaktaKarishma

 

Jamison Niewoehner, Venture Investment Manager, Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures, NetWork Kansas

Jamison is currently a Venture Investment Manager for Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV), which is a business unit of NetWork Kansas that supports innovative, high-growth entrepreneurs. EGV manages the GROWKS Equity programs and works with other investors to fund scalable, high-growth companies. Jamison’s responsibilities include due diligence of prospective investments and portfolio management. Jamison previously worked for BCBSKS corporate venture capital fund. Prior to that, he spent 10 years working as a pharmacist. He holds a PharmD from South Dakota State University and a MBA from the University of Kansas.

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamison-niewoehner

Julia Look, Manager Impact Investments

Julia Look is the Manager of Impact Investments. Julia graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Business Administration in Management. Julia has been working in banking/economic development since 2016. Julia is a Northwest Kansas native living in Stockton for most of her life. In her free time, she stays busy with her two boys, two dogs and little hobby farm.

Email: [email protected]

X: @julialook_ks

Robert Wilson, Product Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship, Northeast Region

Prior to joining Network Kansas, Robert Wilson worked for K-State Research and Extension for 18 years, providing outreach education, technical assistance, and project management services in support of multiple local leadership teams charged with allocating cost-share funding to implement agricultural best management practices to protect the state’s natural resources. Robert is a passionate lifelong learner and an advocate for community leadership development. While at K-State, Robert contributed to a host of leadership and professional development programs for faculty and staff, as well as community leaders and local agency staff. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and did graduate work in Regional and Community Planning at K-State. Robert has lived in Manhattan since 1998.

Email: [email protected]

X: @rbrtwlsn

 

Angela Ward, Product Manager, Technical Assistance

Angela Ward joined NetWork Kansas in November 2023, as the new Product Manager of E-Community Programs. Angela is a mother of three who grew up in the coastal town of Corpus Christi, Texas. Angela and her family moved to Wichita, KS in 2012 to follow her husband’s career in aviation. Though the ocean calls her to visit Texas at least twice a year, she thoroughly enjoys raising her family in such a friendly place like Wichita. Obtaining a degree in Education from Texas A&M Corpus Christi allowed Angela to teach at the Elementary and Middle school levels for over eight years, until she found her true calling in the nonprofit world. Angela was privileged to have an opportunity to work with some of the state’s youngest entrepreneurs through Girl Scouts. Through this work she had the opportunity to travel throughout Kansas, and meet the most amazing and giving people in the wonderful communities across the state. Angela is excited to be part of the team at NetWork Kansas, and assist in bringing solid partnership connections and programming to entrepreneurs big and small in every community across Kansas.

Email: [email protected]

X: @A_WardKS

KayLynn Gonzalez, Senior Accountant
KayLynn grew up in Wichita, KS and surrounding cities and has a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Wichita State University. She joins NetWork Kansas as a senior accountant after working for the City of Wichita for twelve and a half years. During her time at the City, she spent nine and half years in various roles for the Finance Division learning all aspects of the accounting functions.

Email: [email protected]

 

Tabitha May, Accounting Clerk

Tabitha began her career in 1995 doing Subsidiary Bookkeeping at Raymond James & Associates in St. Petersburg, FL in 1995.  She moved to Wichita, KS with her husband in 2000 and worked as a Tax Analyst at CCH, Inc. Tabitha put her career on hold to raise her 4 sons while continuing to prepare taxes as well as lease their previous home in FL from Wichita and run their vacation rental on Table Rock Lake in MO. In her free time, she enjoys running half marathons, and will run her 10th at the Prairie Fire Marathon series on 10/10/21 and completed one full marathon, Chicago 2011. Tabitha graduated from the University of South Florida in 1999 with her B.A. in Accounting and from Friends University in 2004 with her Masters in Management Information Systems.

Email: tgrey.networkkansas@gmail.com
X: @tabitha_grey

 

Telia Hackler, Accounting Clerk

Telia Hackler joined NetWork Kansas as an Accounting Clerk in the Wichita office. Telia was raised in rural Rosalia and currently resides in El Dorado, Kansas. Telia earned her Associate’s of Applied Science from Butler Community College in Accounting and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wichita State University. Telia has over 25 plus years Office Management and Accounting experience and is excited to join the team. Telia enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities and travel.

Email: [email protected]