26 May 2005

Governor Sebelius appoints five to Kansas Volunteer Commission

Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the appointment of Bernard Mayse and the reappointment of Matt All, Richard Jackson, Jolene Niernberger and Patricia Sweeney to the Kansas Volunteer Commission. Each will serve a three-year term.

The Kansas Volunteer Commission prepares a national service plan for the state, ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies, and administers certain grant programs.

Mayse, Overland Park, works with The Whole Person, Inc., a center for independent living. He has worked with the Multiple Sclerosis Society for 15 years, serving as a fundraiser and volunteer. He also worked as a facilitator for a court-directed diversion project for first-time offenders.

All, Lawrence, serves as the chief counsel for the Office of the Governor. He previously served as the assistant insurance commissioner for the Kansas Insurance Department. He served on the Board of Directors for Health Care Access, before being appointed to the commission.

Jackson, Ottawa, has served as city commissioner in Ottawa and is in-line for a fourth term as mayor. He also serves on the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Board. He is the past president of Community Corrections, president of the Ottawa Black Awareness Committee, and a member of the Ottawa Board of Trustees. Jackson has worked in many outreach programs including those aimed at at-risk youth in the Ottawa community.

Niernberger, Ellis, is the director of the Senior Companion Program and Foster Grandparent Program at Fort Hays State University, and currently serves on the Board of the National Association of Senior Companion Program Directors. She has been a member of the Community Action Coalition of Ellis County, the Ellis Good Samaritan Center Advisory Board and the Hays Coalition of Alzheimer’s Association Arts and Inspiration Center of Ellis County. Niernberger served on the task force that developed Fort Hays State University Silver College, a model for learning opportunities for the over 50 population.

Sweeney, Abilene, is a special education teacher in USD 305. She was a member of the Kansas Special Olympics board, served as a member of the Board of Directors of Focus on the Future, and was President of an Arts Council. Sweeney is a board member for the Smokey Hill Service Center, which offers scholarships to teachers to purchase classroom materials.