Keynote Speaker

Dr. Katie Ervin is the Founder and CEO of Catalyst Development, a company she launched after 26 years in corporate HR, higher education administration, and leadership coaching. With 14 years in human resources, 12 years in higher education, and now years leading her own business, Dr. Ervin has dedicated her career to helping organizations strengthen leadership, build high-performing teams, and create intentional workplace cultures where people actually want to work.

She works with all sectors and typically works in fast-paced and high-pressure such as construction, logistics, healthcare and local government. Her approach is research-backed, people-focused, and built on practical strategies that improve performance, retention, and morale at every level of an organization.

Through leadership development programs, executive coaching, and workforce engagement strategies, Dr. Ervin drives real, actionable change that helps people and businesses thrive.

She is also the author of You Might Be An Asshole But It Might Not Be Your Fault, a 2023 #1 Best Seller in Human Resources on Amazon. The book combines research and candid insights to help readers understand what drives behavior at work and how to become better leaders because of it. Her second book, 52 weeks of LEADERship, was released in April, 2026 which became a #1 best seller in Human Resources and Education on Amazon. It is a practical leadership journal to help people at all levels build their leadership skills.

Dr. Ervin is actively involved in her community and serves on the boards of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association, Goodwill of Kansas and Missouri, and Habitat for Humanity Kansas Affiliate Support Board. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Kansas. She also mentors women golfers through Driving Pursuits in Kansas City and Wichita combining her passion for leadership and the game.

Speakers

Ricki Ellison Biography coming soon...

Jordan Swisher's passion for finance stems from her understanding of what numbers mean to real people. At 6 Meridian, she embodies a "heart for service" by genuinely committing to understanding and fulfilling clients' individual financial needs and aspirations. This goes beyond providing financial advice; it involves building strong, trust-based relationships rooted in empathy and active listening.

Recognizing that each client's situation is different and often complex, Jordan focuses on creating personalized strategies tailored to each client, considering factors like risk tolerance and investment style. Jordan also encourages feedback throughout the relationship, striving to create an iterative process where the approach can be adjusted to meet clients' needs throughout their life stages and financial milestones.

“To me, success is helping clients reach their goals, fostering strong, ongoing relationships built on mutual understanding and trust, and providing a sense of security throughout their financial journey. When clients can focus on their lives without financial stress, I consider that a significant achievement,” Jordan added.

Jordan dual-majored in accounting and finance at Kansas State University, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. Her financial acumen and leadership have been recognized by the Wichita Business Journal with awards for Career Women, Women Who Lead in Financial Services, and Young Professionals in Financial Services.

In the community, Jordan serves on the WSU Tech Foundation Investment Committee and the Wichita Foundation Planned Giving Counsel, as well as volunteering for Simply Hygiene. Jordan enjoys spending time with her young children and husband, Austin (whom she still loves despite being a KU alumnus), reading as many books as she can get her hands on, and learning to play golf.

Jordan's dedication to helping others is a legacy she proudly carries on, and we are honored to have her as part of our 6 Meridian leadership team.

Born and raised in Junction City, Kansas, Jo Lynn Bright has spent her life investing in people and helping them discover their potential. As Community Impact Director at HopeNet, she is passionate about walking alongside individuals and families as they overcome challenges, build stronger futures, and experience lasting transformation. One of the most meaningful parts of her work has been her involvement with the BridgesICT Initiative, which has deepened her passion for community impact and personal growth.

“The work of BridgesICT has stretched me beyond my dreams—I feel so blessed to be chosen for this work.”

Jo Lynn also serves as a consultant with Living Stones Associates, where she helps churches navigate change, strengthen leadership, resolve conflict, and create healthier ministry environments. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats—including counselor, trainer, supervisor, and leader—with organizations such as EMPAC, Inc., the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and Youthville. No matter the role, her heart has always been the same: helping people grow, thrive, and succeed.

Education, Certifications & Accomplishments

Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, Friends University

Bachelor of Science in Family Life & Human Development, Kansas State University

Certification in Christian Sex Therapy, Richmont Graduate University

5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Certified Trainer

Certified Bridges Out of Poverty Trainer

Certified Seminar Instruction and Budget Coaching, Crown Financial Ministries

Recipient of the Crown Financial Ministries Volunteer of the Year Award

Author of 10 Things: A Personal Journey Learning to Hear and Obey the Voice of God

Author of What’s on Your Plate?

Known for her encouraging spirit, genuine compassion, and contagious enthusiasm, Jo Lynn loves connecting with people and helping them become the best version of themselves. When she’s not serving her community, you can find her reading, writing, taking a walk, speaking at Christian retreats and churches, or enjoying Thai food. She has been happily married to her favorite travel companion—her beloved “boyfriend”—since 1996, and together they love exploring new places and making lifelong memories.

Misty Bruckner joined Wichita State University in 2008. She is responsible for assisting governments and nonprofits with special projects, policy development, program evaluation, community surveys, facilitation, and training efforts. Misty has worked in the Office of the City Manager, City of Wichita, as assistant to the city manager to start her career. Misty is a recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Bronze Medal Award for Public Service – the highest honor for a civilian. She was selected to participate in the Kansas Leadership Center’s Community Collaboration Academy aimed at advancing facilitation and collaboration efforts across the state of Kansas. Misty has a Master of Public Administration from WSU.

ShaQiyla Banks, M.A. is a youth advocate, community leader, and Founder & Executive Director of Equity Initiative, Inc., a Wichita-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mentoring, education, and life skill development. With over a decade of experience serving young people in the juvenile justice system and community-based programs, she is passionate about creating opportunities that help individuals and communities thrive. As Chairwoman of the Kansas Second Look Act Coalition, she leads efforts to advance second-chance legislation and promote pathways for rehabilitation, growth, and redemption. ShaQiyla holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University and is committed to advancing equity, leadership, and positive social change throughout Kansas.

Dr. Janice Perkins, PhD, PCC, is an executive coach, leadership communication scholar, and organizational consultant specializing in the chemistry of leadership and human connection. Through her work with executives and executive teams, she helps leaders surface blind spots, navigate complex relational dynamics, and create the conditions for stronger communication, deeper trust, and sustainable cultural change. Her research explores how chemistry emerges within coaching and leadership relationships and how those dynamics influence leadership practice, organizational culture, and collective performance.

A PCC certified coach for the International Coaching Federation, a member of 100 Coaches and a Master level for the Association of Corporate Executive Coaches, Janice combines rigorous academic research with practical executive coaching experience. She facilitates leadership workshops, team intensives, and organizational development

initiatives focused on communication, executive presence, relational dynamics, and leadership effectiveness. In addition to her coaching and consulting work, she serves as Chairman of the Board for the Wichita Independent Business Association, is a board member for Global Connection 4 Women, serves as an ambassador for United WE, and trains coaches at Coach Training Academy.edu.

Janice is recognized for her ability to translate complex leadership and communication concepts into practical tools that help individuals and organizations thrive. Her work bridges scholarship and practice, positioning her as an emerging voice in leadership communication, executive coaching, and organizational transformation.

Closing Keynote Speaker

After putting Kansas back on track and ending her first term with the largest budget surplus in history, Governor Laura Kelly was re-elected and sworn in for a second term as the 48th Governor of the State of Kansas on January 9, 2023.

Governor Kelly is a bipartisan leader who in her first term fully funded schools, improved infrastructure and broke records for business investment and job creation. As a result, the entire state prospered.

Governor Kelly has set a North Star for her second term – to make Kansas the best place in the country to raise a family – and will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility, affordable housing and healthcare, early childhood and economic development, access to high-speed internet, and implementing a long-term, sustainable water plan during her time in office.

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