Tri-Ko board announces hiring of new executive director

Press release

The Tri-Ko Inc. Board of Directors has announced Kathy Kay's appointment as the next executive director. Kay will succeed longtime Executive Director John Platt, who announced his retirement in January.

Tri-Ko provides services for developmentally disabled individuals in Linn, Miami and Anderson counties. The nonprofit organization last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, and has grown considerably since it was started in a former elementary school in Parker a half century ago. 

Kay’s career includes extensive management experience in non-profit organizations for the past 20 years.  She has a broad range of human service experience working with individuals with disabilities.  Recently, she served as the chief executive officer for The Whole Person in Kansas City, Mo. Prior to that, she was CEO of the League of Human Dignity in Lincoln, Neb. Her work with individuals with developmental disabilities grew from her experience with the Johnson County Board of Services in Warrensburg, Mo., and expanded in Lincoln.  

Her career as a leader has emphasized her strengths and passion for working with the disabled community and their families, community partners, state agencies, and elected officials, according to a release by Tri-Ko.  Her communication and people skills will be an asset for Tri-Ko.  She has lived and worked in small communities and understands the unique needs of working in a three-county region to deliver services. 

Her agency leadership was tapped into, with appointments to statewide committees in Missouri and Nebraska. She even served as chairperson for the Nebraska Statewide Independent Living Council. She holds a master’s degree in speech communication from the University of Central Missouri.  

“My passion and experience working with individuals who experience disabilities and their families makes me a good fit for Tri-Ko," Kay said. "I understand the challenges both professionally and personally”.

Kay will begin working at the Tri-Ko headquarters in Osawatomie on May 19, which will allow her to work with Platt until he leaves his post in July.

According to board President Jimmy Hay, the search process was very competitive, and it was clear that candidates viewed Tri-Ko as a stable, well-managed organization and the region as a great place to live.  After an intensive interview process, resume screening, reference interviews, and an extensive background check, Kay was selected as the top candidate. 

“The Board was looking for someone with a passion for our mission and leadership and management skills to navigate public policy changes and sustain the high-quality services our customers enjoy and depend upon," Hay said. "The governing board unanimously selected Kathy Kay as our new executive director. 

"She is a warm and positive person with a vision for the organization who works well with partners to make good things happen in organizations.

"The board is grateful to John Platt, the current executive director, who has done an outstanding job for Tri-Ko for the past 18 years.”