The Family Promise of Greater Wichita Board of Directors is pleased to announce its officers for 2023. While Treasurer Heather Petty and Secretary Norma Mitchell will continue their first terms in their respective positions that started mid-year, a new President and Vice President were voted on and installed at the final Board meeting of 2022.
2023 Board President: Connor Cross
Connor Cross, who formerly held the position of Board Vice President and HR liaison, has been named as the 2023 FPGW Board President. Connor has served on the FPGW Board of Directors since 2019, and is excited to step into this new role to lead through the exciting growth and planning that 2023 will bring.
Connor originally connected with the Family Promise mission through her boss at Syndeo, who served on the FPGW Board. Connor, who works as the Director of Human Resources at Syndeo, has continued to assist with HR needs at Family Promise while growing more and more passionate about the mission over the past few years.
Connor’s favorite thing about working with FPGW is that it is a small non-profit that dives deep with each family and that she can see and know the people she is helping to empower and support. “I love being able to see the impact it makes when I volunteer or when I donate,” she said.
Connor, originally from New York, came to Wichita via an assignment at McConnell AFB during her time in the U.S. Air Force. She has worked at Syndeo since 2009 and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in HR from Baker University. She and her husband Dave, along with their dog Winston, reside in Andover and love to support the Family Promise mission in as many ways as they can.
2023 Board Vice President: Deb Shirkey
Deb Shirkey, who has served on the FPGW Board since 2020 and as the FPGW Events Chairperson since 2021, has been named as the 2023 Board Vice President. Deb is excited to step into this new role and help facilitate the growth that remains ahead for Family Promise of Greater Wichita.
Deb connected with the Family Promise mission after hearing FPGW founder, Carrie Corliss, speak about the organization during its launch period. She enjoyed volunteering and was eventually thrilled to join the Board and take on leadership roles in events, outreach, and guiding FPGW through growth and changes over the past few years.
Deb’s favorite thing about working with FPGW is the sustainability of the changes that families make while going through the program. As we move into 2023, she is excited for continued growth. She says, “the growth of Family Promise means that we are able to help even more families with sustainable solutions.”
Deb is a lifelong Wichitan and resides in West Wichita with her husband, Mike. She enjoys spending time with her grown children and her extended family. Deb is a Director with Tupperware and loves connecting people throughout the community with the mission of Family Promise in any way she can.
Looking forward, with thanks
Family Promise of Greater Wichita also wishes to extend gratitude and appreciation to outgoing Board president Dixie Harris and the other Board members whose terms expired at the end of 2022 – Pastor Dave Mitchell and Father Aaron Warwick – for serving the Family Promise mission with passion, thought, energy, and incredible heart.
Past and present members have set the stage for a strong, stable organization that will continue to walk with families toward sustainable independence. The FPGW team is excited for the year ahead with the 2023 leadership team helping cast vision for a future where every child has a stable home and a bright future!
