PPMC News: "We Are All Freshman," Events, & More!

July 2021

A Message from the Director

Misty Brucker

Director, Public Policy & Management Center

With Wichita State students back on campus for in-person classrooms for the first time in nearly 18 months, there is an extra layer of excitement. Our freshmen are experiencing a unique beginning as they start school amid an ever-changing pandemic, even returning students, staff and faculty are navigating new territory. In some ways, we are all freshman again.

What can we learn from our freshmen? I once heard Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Chiefs, speak about why it is important to “make yourself be a freshman again,” even long after graduation, because life will make you a freshman again, whether you signed up for the class or not.

This is something that sticks with me as the PPMC is changing and growing and adapting...

Read Misty's Blog

PPMC Updates:

Projects & Initiatives

Omaha Heartland Workforce Solutions | The PPMC has expanded its reach, working with another workforce center in Nebraska to improve their service delivery!

Wichita Literacy Coalition | Check out or share this tri-fold brochure that the PPMC and partners produced to help children and families and improve literacy rates in our community: English | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese

Kansas Department of Commerce | The PPMC is continuing their work with the Department of Commerce in order to assess and improve customer service.

Local Government Management Seminar

Attracting & Retaining Talent

With the Baby Boomer generation retiring at record rates, the ability to attract and retain new employees is more important than ever. As times change, so do the methods used to attract employees, retain those employees, and create the staff needed to support your organization.

Throughout this seminar, you will learn tips and tricks through speakers and round table talks designed to help you develop your workforce. You will also hear about innovative human resource methods, learn training development tools, and how to provide the best service to your citizens while maintaining a strong relationship with your employees.

Featured Speaker

Katie Givens

Assistant Executive Director for Southeast KANSASWORKS (SEKW)

Katie Givens is a human resource and workforce development professional located in Kansas. SEKW operates Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act employment and training programs. Ms. Givens expertise is in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), American Job Center operations, and Human Resource. Her career with the Workforce Development system progressed from contracted Youth Case Manager to leadership roles in program management and one stop operations. Ms. Givens has 18 years of non-profit experience, 12 of which are focused in Workforce Development. Other experience includes mental health services, foster care/transitional services, special education, and youth services.

Registration closes Tuesday, September 7th

LGM Member Registration

Public & Non-Member Registration

Women in Public Service Events

Join Women in Public Service on September 23rd from 4:00-6:00 pm at Sabor Latin Grille in Old Town Wichita! Refreshments with be available for purchase.

Don't forget to bring your donations for Dress for Success.

Thank you to Sabor Latin Grille for sponsoring the event location.

RSVP

Save the Date!

Join Women in Public Service on October 21st from 4:30-6:30 pm at the WSU John Bardo Center for the 2021 Annual Celebration! Refreshments are provided.

The PPMC Is Hiring!

Now Hiring! Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition Executive Director

The PPMC is adding a new staff member. This position gets to work with the PPMC team while leading the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition with many community partners.

This position is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Wichita area communities by helping our most vulnerable people in crisis get resources to help manage through mental health and substance abuse issues.

Learn More or Apply

Read More from the PPMC Blog:

Misty's Blog

by Misty Bruckner

PPMC Annual Report

by Misty Bruckner

We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished and how much we’ve been able to help our clients and communities. This reports highlights just a few things we’ve been working on through the PPMC’s three main pillars of service.

New Position Open: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition

by Abigail Hammack

Meet Our Team: Morgan Barnes

by Abigail Hammack

Learn more about a superstar on #TeamPPMC! Morgan Barnes has been with the PPMC since 2017. As the Professional Services Manager, she is an invaluable member of our team.