Welcome Cheri Faunce, CEO of YWCA Northeast Kansas

Please join us in welcoming Cheri Faunce as our new CEO! Faunce brings to the organization a long career in public sector and nonprofit leadership, most recently as the Vice President of Development for SparkWheel. She officially starts her role on May 16.  

“Cheri’s demonstrated commitment to the work of equity and community building makes her the ideal person to step up to the position at this time,” says Gina Millsap, President of the YWCA Northeast Kansas Board of Directors. “We are excited about her vision and confident in her ability to lead the YWCA movement forward.”  

YWCA Northeast Kansas has grown tremendously in recent years, expanding programs in childcare, community violence prevention, racial justice, and the Center for Safety and Empowerment. Faunce’s first days coincide with the opening of a second shelter, which more than doubles current capacity to provide emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking.  

“YWCA Northeast Kansas has a long history of trailblazing the path to equity,” says Faunce. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside an exceptional team with an unwavering commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. By leveraging our collective expertise and passion, we will further position the YWCA for its next phase of growth and development.” 

 Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring of 2024 after serving in the role for eight years. Since that announcement, the Board of Directors undertook an extensive recruitment process for her replacement led by the Moran Company.  

About YWCA Northeast Kansas: YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all through various programs including the Early Learning Center, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, the YWCA Leadership Academy, and racial justice and advocacy programming which serve over 13,000 women, children, and marginalized individuals in Shawnee, Jackson, Brown, and Wabaunsee counties every year. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence and needs help, please call the 24-hour crisis line: 1-888-822-2983.