Hires

The Kansas CASA Association board announced the hiring of Deena Gage as state director. Gage experience from her nearly 22-year career with Price Brothers Management Co. in Overland Park. Her leadership and strategic planning abilities have consistently driven performance optimization and revenue maximization. Her commitment to cultivating a collaborative and supportive work environment has resulted in engaged and motivated teams, prepared to achieve shared goals. Gage grew up in rural Kansas, in the small town of Macksville. As a Kansas native, she has a profound appreciation for the state's people and a sense of community. Her deep investment in the well-being of Kansas's children and families drives her commitment to serving with dedication and integrity. Gage is eager to leverage her experience and passion to lead Kansas CASA in empowering local programs and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Gage looks forward to driving the Kansas CASA Association's mission forward to ensure that every child in Kansas has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Retirements

Two longtime state of Kansas employees and KPERS staff members retired:

• Debra Lewis, accountant, and Amy Whitmer, senior corporate accountant. Lewis retired on June 7 with nearly 45 years of service to the state of Kansas, including the past 40 years at KPERS. Lewis began her career with the state in October 1979 in the Department of Health and Environment — Vital Statistics. Lewis was hired at KPERS in April 1984, where she held various positions. Most of her time was spent in the Fiscal Services Investment Accounting Unit. In her retirement, Lewis plans to travel, spend time with family and learn more about photography.

• Amy Whitmer retired July 3. Whitmer joined KPERS in May 2006 as an accountant and was promoted to her role as senior corporate accountant in July 2017. Whitmer was responsible for corporate financial accounting and employer fund reporting, and oversees the receipt and reconciliation process for employer payments. She plans to travel and camp in the RV in retirement.

Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com. 

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: It's Your Business has Kansas CASA Association and KPERS