Gary Brunk
President & CEO
Over the past 12 years, Gary Brunk has developed KAC into the leading voice for Kansas children. As president and chief executive officer, he directs KAC’s federal-level policy, serves as the organization's primary spokesperson, and maintains partnerships with foundations and national organizations. Prior to KAC, Gary served as executive director of The Corporation for Change. He has more than three decades of experience working in child welfare and community-building, and has served as a consultant to organizations in both the United States and Latin America. He earned a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas and, in 1999, was named a Kansas Health Foundation Fellow. 

Shannon Cotsoradis
Executive Vice President & COO
Shannon Cotsoradis has spearheaded capacity-building and fund development at Kansas Action for Children for more than eight years. As executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2001, she directs KAC’s state-level policy in addition to directing strategic planning, financial management, human resources and grant/project management. Previously, Shannon spent three years as project manager of the Work Group on Health Promotion at the University of Kansas and worked as a project director for KAC. She represents KAC as a member of the Governor’s Children’s Health Advisory Committee. Shannon earned a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas; a master’s in child development from Sarah Lawrence College in New York; and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Her work on behalf of Kansas children has been recognized through the Presidential Volunteer Service Award initiative, the YWCA Women’s Leadership Luncheon, and the Dental Champions Leadership Program. Shannon serves on the board of directors of the Kansas Family Partnership; is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Kansas; and she has volunteered with both the American Cancer Society and Capper Foundation Easter Seals. 

April Holman
Director of Economic Policy
April Holman has directed KAC's economic policy work since 2003. As part of the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI), she analyzes state tax and budget systems; reviews policy proposals; produces informational resources for policymakers; and provides legislative testimony on fiscal issues. April earned a juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Bethany College. Prior to KAC, she spent six years as a fiscal and research analyst with the Kansas Legislative Research Department where she specialized in taxation and economic development. 

Suzanne Wikle
Director of Health Policy
Suzanne Wikle directs KAC’s policy work related to children's health. She has worked extensively with children and families as both a teacher and social worker. Suzanne earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and she earned a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on administrative and advocacy practice from the University of Kansas. Prior to KAC, Suzanne worked at the New England Center for Children, a residential school for children with autism; Hope House, a domestic violence agency in Kansas City; and at the Administration for Children and Families.

Stephanie Mullholland
Director of Communications
Stephanie Mullholland directs KAC's communications/development department, oversees the organization's advertising and communications campaigns, and works with the media on policy issues that affect Kansas children. Stephanie has worked nearly 15 years in communications and leadership roles for nonprofits and membership associations. Prior to joining KAC in 2007, she spent more than eight years as assistant director of the Kansas Press Association (KPA) and worked three years as communications director for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in Kansas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media/public relations from Washburn University. Stephanie is part of the 2010 class of the Eisenhower Winning Women's Series, is active in the Junior League of Topeka; and has developed and spearheaded a number of successful community fundraising initiatives.

Ryan Wright 
Director of Development
Ryan Wright develops and oversees implementation of KAC’s development plan and is responsible for donor relations. Ryan has more than a decade of experience in fundraising, communication, government and political work. Prior to joining KAC, he was executive director of a political action committee. He served as legislative director for former Kansas Speaker of the House Kent Glasscock, special assistant/communications for State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins and as press secretary for Congressman Jerry Moran in Washington, D.C. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University. Ryan serves as president on the board of Camp Wood YMCA.

Allison Abplanalp
Director of Public Relations
Allison Abplanalp develops and oversees implementation of KAC’s marketing plan, including special events and publications. She has worked more than six years managing operations, development and marketing projects for KAC. Prior to that, Allison worked for the American Cancer Society and for the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is a member of the Mid-America Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Nonprofit Connect where she serves as the chair of the 2010 Philanthropy Awards Luncheon.

Janelle Brazington
Operations Specialist
Janelle Brazington coordinates the day-to-day operations of KAC and its supporting organization, including financial, grant, human resources and information management. Prior to KAC, she lived in upstate New York where she was a stay-at-home mother and teacher for her three children, and previously worked as direct mail coordinator and database manager for a Lincoln, Neb.-based bank. Janelle earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., and is a Certified Professional in human resources. Janelle lives in Topeka where she serves as vice president of TDC Learning Center; is a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2008, and she has volunteered with the Capper Foundation Easter Seals and the American Cancer Society’s Couture for Cancer. 

Lisa Owen
Executive Assistant
Lisa Owen provides executive assistance to KAC’s management team and Board of Directors. She attended Southern Illinois University, and has more than 20 years of experience as an executive assistant, primarily with Capitol Federal Savings in Topeka. Lisa volunteers with the Seaman High School Band Booster Club, and has been involved as a member of the Junior League of Topeka and as a loaned executive for United Way of Greater Topeka.