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Board of Directors

TECH, Hutchinson, KS

Dedicated Community Members Who Care

The TECH Board of Directors includes a TECH Operations team and a TECH Foundation team. Each is comprised of community members, including some TECH employees and other accomplished professionals, who are dedicated to furthering the mission of TECH.

TECH Operations

Cindy Miller Chairperson

Cindy Miller

Chairperson
“I am called to serve my community. If I have the ability to do something that will make a difference, I should do it. TECH has a special place in my heart. It is a wonderful organization.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2011-2016, 2018-Present

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Creativity, because TECH has made a lot of progress with new programs encouraging creativity in their clients. I have seen this beautiful direct correlation between creativity and self-worth. It is so fun to watch this process take place.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:

    I have so many favorite memories. The opening of the Art Gallery and receiving the President’s Award definitely top the list.

Matt Bretz Past-Chairperson

Matt Bretz

Past-Chairperson
“I look forward to again being involved with the many wonderful and dedicated people who make TECH what it is. The TECH team is so caring and dedicated, and they do a remarkable job in providing services to those in need. It will be an honor to work with them.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2019

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Independence and Self-Worth, because those pillars go together. Through independence, many of those we serve develop self-worth. Learning how to use Reno County Area Transit (RCAT), work at a job or paint something that can be sold promotes independence and, in turn, creates self-worth.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:

    My favorite time with TECH is the annual Client Service Awards ceremony.

Kevin Hess President/CEO

Kevin Hess

President/CEO
“I like working at TECH because of the mission, diversification, the challenges of my position and the people. It is a place people share a culture of kindness, diversity and integrity.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2018

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Connection, because the willingness to share, contribute and help each other is an important facet of lasting relationships. Perhaps the most important thing you ever do in life is build and maintain long-term, happy, healthy, fulfilling relationships with other people.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:
    • Enjoys fishing and hunting
    • Loves spending time with family
    • Bleeds purple (go Wildcats!)
Jason Hatch Vice-Chairperson

Jason Hatch

Vice-Chairperson
“When I initially joined the TECH Board, I was given a tour to see the many opportunities and programs TECH offers their clients. What a blessing to be part of an organization that does so much good. Whether clients were working in the warehouse, painting in the art studio or simply interacting with others, they seemed happy. I was truly impressed.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2020

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Self-Worth, because all of God’s children are of infinite worth. TECH is a tremendous organization that, among other things, provides a positive environment and growth opportunities to those it serves. As each of us understands our value and worth, everything changes. We are blessed to have TECH in our community. TECH’s mission and values are inspiring to me, and this organization asks the best of all those involved. Being asked to join TECH is an honor, and I look forward to contributing in any way I can.

Gabe Goering Secretary

Gabe Goering

Secretary
“TECH is a model organization for community partnership, one that we are all lucky to have the opportunity to support.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2021

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Self-Worth, because I grew up one block away from one of our current TECH clients. She is an awesome person that will always bring a smile to my face. I have vivid memories of her cheering on the high school team and watching the entire community embrace and care for her. Without a doubt, the connections she made in the community continue to impact many lives.

Denny Stoecklein Treasurer

Denny Stoecklein

Treasurer
“I believe we should all explore ways in our lives as to how we can "pay it forward". Having had the opportunity to interact with some of the amazing team members and clients, I was excited and honored to be asked to serve TECH as a board member.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2022

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    It’s been so inspiring to see the positive impact TECH has on the lives of so many. We go to church with a young man who has benefited greatly from TECH and it’s a treat to have him a part of the usher team I serve on.

MaryAnn Altvater Board Member

MaryAnn Altvater

Board Member
“here are so many people that fall into cracks in our society. We can make a difference by helping fill those cracks.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2022

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Self-worth for the people we serve seems to be the start for improvement in their life. The other pillars will follow after we help them achieve that.

Angie Bergmeier Board Member

Angie Bergmeier

Board Member
“TECH has been near and dear to our hearts from the work that they do for our company Shield Industries, to the last piece of art we purchased. This program is a jewel in our community and I will do what I can to keep supporting the future of our participants!”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2023

Tasha Erickson Board Member

Tasha Erickson

Board Member
“We are so lucky to have an organization like TECH in our community. It’s a privilege to serve on the TECH board and I am really excited to learn more about all of things they are doing to make our community better. ”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2023

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    As parents we work hard to instill independence in our children and that’s even more of a challenge for parents of children with special needs. The feeling of having some sort of independence, no matter how small, is a powerful. This is a very special gift that TECH provides.

Shane Katz Board Member

Shane Katz

Board Member
“I am humbled and honored to be part of Tech and to help carry on its mission. I have been impressed with this organization since I moved to this community and look forward to contributing in any way that I can.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2022

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    As a physical therapist, I work to help my patients restore function and independence. I quickly gravitated towards this pillar because this is part of what I do and seeing how Tech provides opportunities to promote independence for their clients resonates with me.

Sheila Meggers Board Member

Sheila Meggers

Board Member
“I love TECH’s vision of helping individuals with disabilities achieve their potential. I am continually impressed by all the opportunities they provide as they help individuals continue to develop and grow. ”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2023

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    As a long-time educator, I believe relationships matter.  Building relationships and connecting with others can positively impact self-esteem, motivation, and many other areas of life.

Scott Miles Board Member

Scott Miles

Board Member
“I believe TECH Clients are the embodiment of how humanity should behave: Recognizing inner beauty, comfortable expressing emotions, being true to who they are, brutally honest and most of all they understand family affects everything and love is meant to be shared! I am humbled when imaging all the things I will learn being a part of this beautiful TECH family. ”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2023

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Self-worth is at the very core of our human existence, regardless of circumstances. Having desires, hope and goals for the ultimate purpose of happiness is the most basic of human needs. It is an intrinsic need to recognize our importance and existence in the world. Only through recognizing our self-worth can believe we are valuable, good enough and worthy of love.

Mitch Williams Board Member

Mitch Williams

Board Member
“It is an honor to be asked to join the effort that TECH is making to help others and make a difference. My family and I moved here 10 years ago and immediately recognized that we were in a great community. It is the good work and humble service by organizations like TECH that make the difference in our community.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Operations Board Since:

    2022

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    I think in large measure, our independence drives our self worth. I was taught an important principle over the past year by a good friend of ProValue, Jeremy Poincenot, Speaker and Coach. It is the principle of interdependence. While each of us strive for independence, our ability to achieve this status is reliant on assistance from others throughout our lives. TECH seems to understand both principles extremely well and I look forward to both helping and learning while serving this great organization.

TECH Foundation

Laura Meyer-Dick Chairperson

Laura Meyer-Dick

Chairperson
“I love the mission of TECH— the way it helps people with special needs live a full and engaging life despite their challenges.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Foundation Board Since:

    2015

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Connection, because I believe there is nothing more important in life than building, developing and strengthening relationships. Strong relationships have a positive impact on every aspect of life.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:

    I enjoyed being part of the new design of the TECH Gala. My mother helped start the original TECH Holiday Tree Auction many years ago, so it meant a lot to be part of the reinvigorating of this event.

Dale Snell Vice-Chairperson

Dale Snell

Vice-Chairperson
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the TECH Foundation Board. TECH provides a wonderful service for so many in our local community and truly makes the Hutchinson area a better place to live, work and raise a family. I am privileged to play a very small part in the continued success of TECH and its mission.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Foundation Board Since:

    2018

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Self-Worth, because I believe everyone, regardless of their individual limitations or life challenges, is capable of being productive through meaningful work and engaging activities. And through this productivity, each individual can experience the joy of creating, making or providing something that is valuable to others.

Bob Capps Secretary/Treasurer

Bob Capps

Secretary/Treasurer
“My wife, Michelle, was my influence to join this board. TECH is a cause very near and dear to her heart, and ‘giving back’ is an everyday passion for her. I guess it was contagious!”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Foundation Board Since:

    2017

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Independence, because of the independence and dignity the TECH organization makes possible for so many of their clients.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:

    My favorite memory of TECH is the first client Christmas party I attended with Michelle. This was three years before I joined the Board of Directors, but I will never forget the smiling faces and joy in the room. It embodied the true meaning of Christmas and left me with an impression I will never forget.

Kevin Hess President/CEO

Kevin Hess

President/CEO
“I like working at TECH because of the mission, diversification, the challenges of my position and the people. It is a place people share a culture of kindness, diversity and integrity.”
  • serving since
    On the TECH Foundation Board Since:

    2018

  • Pillar
    Favorite TECH Pillar:

    Connection, because the willingness to share, contribute and help each other is an important facet of lasting relationships. Perhaps the most important thing you ever do in life is build and maintain long-term, happy, healthy, fulfilling relationships with other people.

  • fun facts icon
    Fun Facts:
    • Enjoys fishing and hunting
    • Loves spending time with family
    • Bleeds purple (go Wildcats!)