Pioneers in Health

Robert Stiles, chief executive officer, Community Care Network of Kansas

Ep. 50: Robert became the chief executive officer of Community Care Network of Kansas in June 2025. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing local solutions, building strong partnerships, and championing advocacy efforts at the state, community, and local levels.   In his role at CCNK, Robert works to support the needs of clinics serving communities across Kansas, helping ensure access to quality health care for all Kansans. His leadership is guided by a commitment to creating healthy communities where individuals can live, learn, work and play while achieving their highest possible level of health.   Listen now, and learn how Robert is an innovative leader in Kansas.   For more about the Health Fund, visit https://healthfund.org/ [https://healthfund.org/]

Sherman Smith, editor in chief, Kansas Reflector

Ep. 49: Sherman Smith is the editor in chief of Kansas Reflector, which he founded in 2020. A three-time Kansas Press Association journalist of the year, he writes about things powerful people don't want others to know. Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom [https://statesnewsroom.com/], the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. Listen now, and learn how Sherman is an innovative leader in Kansas.   For more about the Health Fund, visit: https://healthfund.org/ [https://healthfund.org/]

Christina Holt, Interim Director, Center for Community Health and Development

Ep. 48: Christina was recently named the interim director for the Center of Community Health and Development, a subcenter of the KU Life Span Institute. Christina has served as the assistant director at the center for six years before being named interim director; the current director retires in May.   Her deep experience at the center began when she was a student intern and member of the Kansas Community Leadership Corps. She has served in a variety of roles at the center for 27 years, and most recently began leading a CCHD project in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation focused on workforce and economic development.   Listen now, and learn how Christina is an innovative leader in Kansas.   For more about the Health Fund: https://healthfund.org/ [https://healthfund.org/]

Brenda Bandy, Executive Director, Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition

Ep. 47: Brenda Bandy serves as the executive director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. She oversees KBC’s programs, working across sectors to build support and remove barriers for breastfeeding families.   She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and former La Leche League volunteer.   In this episode, she discusses her passion for breastfeeding, the benefits of breastfeeding, the business case for breastfeeding and much more!   Listen now, and learn how Brenda is an innovative leader in Kansas.   For more about the Health Fund: https://healthfund.org/ [https://healthfund.org/]

Dr. Jennifer McKenney, MD, FAAFP, Fredonia Family Care

Ep. 46: Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP, is a family physician in her hometown of Fredonia, Kansas, a community of approximately 2,200 people. She has owned and managed her practice Fredonia Family Care alongside her father and other great colleagues since 2009. McKenney was named the 2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year by the National Rural Health Association and received the Early Career Achievement Award by the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2021.   McKenney is currently the associate dean for rural medical education for the KU School of Medicine. She also serves as the Wilson County health officer and is co-chair of the statewide Health Officers of Kansas group.   She was a member of the USD 484 school board, serving as the president for two years. She is a past president of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians and was the resident member of the AAFP Board of Directors. She serves on the board of directors for the Kansas Health Foundation and is on the medical staff at Fredonia Regional Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital. She has made numerous appearances on national and local news covering COVID-19 and rural health.   Listen now, and learn how Dr. McKenney is an innovative leader in Kansas.   For more about the Health Fund: https://healthfund.org/ [https://healthfund.org/]