KDHE, Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness Announce Two New Council Members

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness are pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members, Jody Hoener with Bourbon County and Katherine (Kat) Wurzer, a junior at Wichita State University, for a three-year term starting in 2021.

“Our Council is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals committed to encouraging increased physical activity, healthy diets and tobacco use prevention by sharing information with Kansans and partnering with businesses, schools and individuals to promote healthy lifestyles,” Miranda Steele, Council Chair, said. “We are excited to channel Jody and Katherine’s talent, expertise and energy into furthering our mission.”

Jody Hoener

Jody Hoener is the Economic Development Director for Bourbon County and serves as the coordinator for the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant. Jody has led efforts in addressing county health rankings through a policy, systems and environment approach with a focus to improve quality of life and encourage economic growth.  Through her work she gained experience in community development, strategic planning and community outreach. This work has a broad impact through citizen engagement which Jody finds very fulfilling. She enjoys bringing people together, learning from others’ experiences and expertise and driving positive change.

Katherine (Kat) Wurzer

A student at Wichita State University studying Business Management, Katherine Wurzer is the founder of a pending non-profit, GetFIT, Inc., benefiting the health and wellness of at-risk youth and breaking down barriers of access and affordability. Through her GetFIT initiative, she has worked closely with YMCAs as a board member, advocacy committee member, piloting a program for at-risk youth, raising funds and coordinating events. She is an ambassador for the American Heart Association of Kansas and has participated in virtual initiatives for the Wichita Parks and Recreation. As a certified personal trainer and youth fitness specialist, Katherine strives to be at the forefront of developing healthy futures for Kansas youth.

2021 Council members are: Chair, Miranda Steele, MPA, MHSA, of Centene Corporation; Vice Chair, Christi Smith, MBA, of Family Preservation for Kansas City; Amy Penrod of Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services; Brandon Skidmore of Sunflower Foundation; Candice McField of Candice McField Fitness; Erik Sartorius, of League of Kansas Municipalities; Jeff A. Usher, of Kansas Health Foundation; Jennifer Bruning, of Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs; Joyce Ellis, PhD, of Fort Hays State University; Katie Schoenhoff, of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund; KDHE Secretary Lee Norman, MD; Mark Thompson, PhD, of Kansas Department of Education; Mary Tritsch, of AARP Kansas; Matt Messina, of Kansas Department of Transportation; and Wyatt Thompson, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, of Manhattan Parks and Recreation.

About the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness

The purpose of the Governor’s Council on Fitness is to advise the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices, prevention of tobacco use and to promote the improvement of the health of Kansans through the following:

• Encourage the exchange of information about physical activity, healthy diets and tobacco use prevention and cessation.
• Create private and public sector support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.
• Manage a statewide awards program to recognize communities and organizations demonstrating significant support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.

To learn more about Kansas Governor’s Council on fitness visit www.kansasfitness.org/ and the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness on Facebook www.facebook.com/GetActiveKansas/.