Shannon Cotsoradis
President & CEO
Shannon Cotsoradis has served as president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children since July 2010. Prior to that, she worked as executive vice president of the organization, as a project director for KAC, and as project manager of the Work Group on Health Promotion at the University of Kansas. Shannon earned a master’s in public administration from KU; 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 boards of Kansas Family Partnership and the YWCA of Topeka. She is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Kansas and serves on the Governor’s Children’s Health Advisory Committee.
Gary Brunk
Director of Federal Policy & Special Projects
Gary Brunk directs KAC's federal policy work and spearheads special projects. He spent 14 years as president and CEO of the organization, developing KAC into the leading voice for Kansas children. Prior to KAC, Gary was executive director of The Corporation for Change. He has more than three decades of experience in child welfare and community-building, and has served as a consultant to child advocacy organizations in both the U.S. and Latin America. Gary earned a master’s in public administration from KU. In 1999, he was named a Kansas Health Foundation Fellow.
April Holman
Director of Policy & Research
Since 2003, April Holman has used her expertise in budget and taxes to help direct KAC's economic policy efforts. 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 Policy & Research
Suzanne Wikle helps direct KAC’s policy work, focusing on child health and welfare issues. Suzanne has worked extensively with children and families as both a teacher and social worker. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and she a master’s degree from KU in social work with an emphasis on administrative and advocacy practice. 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.
Karen Cochran
Co-Director of Kansas Coalition for School Readiness
Karen Cochran manages the Kansas Coalition for School Readiness, working to protect and expand support for early childhood initiatives across the state. Prior to joining KAC, Karen worked in public education, teaching English in secondary education classrooms to instructing education courses at KU. She also designed, developed and implemented professional development programs for Lawrence Public Schools. Karen holds a EdD in education leadership from KU. She has served on the boards of United Way of Douglas County and Leadership Lawrence, and is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Kansas. Karen is a founding member of The Fairy Godmothers Fund, which supports women in transition.
Stephanie Mullholland
Director of Communications
Stephanie Mullholland directs KAC's communications division and serves as a resource for journalists covering children's issues in Kansas. She has worked nearly 15 years in communications and leadership roles for nonprofits and membership associations. Prior to joining KAC in 2007, she served as assistant director of the Kansas Press Association, as communications director for the National Electrical Contractors Association in Kansas, and as a marketing and communications consultant for nonprofits and small business owners. Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media from Washburn University. She is a member of the Eisenhower Winning Women's Series class of 2010 and the Junior League of Topeka; and she has developed and spearheaded a number of successful community fundraising initiatives.
Ryan Wright
Director of Development and Co-Director of KCSR
Ryan Wright oversees KAC’s development work and donor relations. He 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, as special assistant to 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 K-State. Ryan serves on the board of Camp Wood YMCA.
Janelle Brazington
Director of Operations & Finance
Janelle Brazington manages operations and accounting. Prior to KAC, she was volunteer director for a community services center in upstate New York, and pworked as direct mail coordinator and database manager for a bank in Lincoln, Neb. Janelle earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Union College and is currently enrolled in the master’s in liberal studies program at Washburn University. Janelle is a certified Professional in Human Resources and a member of the local and national Society of Human Resources Management. She has more 15 years of experience in working with nonprofit organizations. Janelle served four years on the TDC Learning Centers’ Board of Directors and is a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2008.
Nicole Schings
Director of Public Relations
Nicole Schings oversees KAC's public relations, media buying and outreach opportunities. She most recently worked as advertising director for Kansas Press Association. Prior to that, Nicole was marketing assistant at Advantage PrintSource and a graphic designer for Adams Business Forms. She earned a bachelor's degree in mass media from Washburn University.
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.
