Gov. Laura Kelly on Wednesday appointed Glenda Susan Bowles, Laura Smith-Everett, Melissa Rooker and Liz Long to the Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Development Services.

The mission of the council is to solicit information and opinions from concerned agencies, groups and individuals on proposed policies and recommendations for the delivery of health, education and social services to families of young children—from birth through age five—who have or are at risk of having disabling conditions.

“Early childhood development is a major focus of our administration,” Kelly said. “The four Kansans appointed all have strong backgrounds in caring for our children, and I know they will be effective participants on this council.”

Bowles, Hays, is the former executive director of the Hays Area Children’s Center for USD 489. She completed her undergraduate degree at Kansas State University and graduate degree at Fort Hays State University. Bowles works as a speech pathologist and as an educational administrator.

Smith-Everett, Shawnee, is an ELL teacher for the Shawnee Mission School District and the parent of a special-needs child. She received her undergraduate degree from William Jewell College and attended the University of Kansas for graduate school.

Rooker, Fairway, is the executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. She was appointed as a designee of the governor on the Kansas Interagency Coordinating Council.

Long, Mayetta, is the MCO reporting manager at KDHE Division of Healthcare Finance and has relevant Medicaid program experience.

The governor’s appointments are not subject to confirmation by the Kansas Senate.

— Office of the Governor