After an extensive search, Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK), a non-profit affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, recently hired Dawn Hovey as executive director. She is a Kansas native from Ozawkie, but has lived and worked in Omaha, NE, for most of her career.
Hovey has almost 30 years of experience in leadership and management with nonprofit organizations. She worked at the Kansas Health Foundation after completing her master’s degree in public administration at Kansas State University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from K-State. Her most recent role has been consulting and contracting with nonprofits, guiding many organizations on best practices and implementation.
“RTK is glad to have found a well-qualified executive director to lead our organization to success. She was the unanimous choice of the search committee, and we believe we made the right decision,” said Barth Crouch, RTK board chairman.
As executive director, Hovey will be responsible for professional leadership, management and growth of RTK. She will oversee fundraising, strategic planning, organizational development, administration of conservation projects and RTK finances.
“The people at RTK are very kind. They truly want what is best for Kansans – ranchers, farmers and future generations – while honoring the past generations. RTK is dedicated to the mission of preserving past heritage, while ensuring it is there for all to enjoy in the future,” Hovey said.
She has always had close ties to Kansas and wanted to return for many years to serve Kansas residents.
“I actually didn’t ever want to leave Kansas. I am happy I made the decision that it was time to come home and utilize my experience and skills in my home state,” she said.
She has proven success in building relationships and leading non-profits in development, problem solving, communication, capacity building and collaborative learning opportunities.
“I look forward to meeting everyone involved and learning why this mission of conservation is important to them. I want to hear what motivates landowners and work together to meet their goals,” said Hovey.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and maintaining relationships with friends and family. She plans to move back to the home she grew up in and looks forward to reviving the garden her mother had when she was a kid. She also enjoys house projects and spending time with her two cats. She is an animal lover of all kinds. She has three children. Lauren is a pediatric ICU nurse in Dallas, TX, Olivia is in the B.A./M.D. program at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and Nathan plans to attend the University of Kansas this fall.
Hovey said, “I’m very excited to meet people who are dedicated to preserving our Kansas heritage and I thank you for welcoming me back home!”
Hovey will start full-time at RTK on June 10. Please join us in welcoming her as she begins her new role with the RTK team.
