OUR STAFF
Karla Lees
President & CEO
Karla brings a comprehensive vision honed through experiences in the military, industrial sales, and active community engagement. A veteran with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, she finds joy in fitness activities and cherishes family moments with her husband, daughters, and their canine companions.
JONI WITTMAN
Events & Marketing Director
Joni grew up on a farm south of Montezuma and after graduating high school she moved around experiencing life in Seattle, WA, Kansas City, MO and Crested Butte, CO. She returned home to southwest Kansas in 2014.
Joni and her family moved to Dodge City from Meade in 2015 and started working at the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018.
Joni and her husband Kelly, along with their son Alec enjoy spending time in Red River, New Mexico, going to their family lake house in Council Grove and spending time with their family and friends.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman
Josh Guthrie, Guthrie Floorcovering
PAST CHAIRMAN
VICE CHAIRMAN
Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena Managed by Venue Works
John Bogner, WIT Athletics
SECRETARY
Michelle Salinas, RE/MAX Villa
BOARD MEMBERS
Silver Ruiz, Truck Center Companies
Mario Rayo, Landmark National Bank
Dr. Tanya Williams, InnovateMed
Sarah Gunkel, Davis & McCann P.A.
Brianna Wissman, Diamond Roofing
Aaron Stapleton, SoulSpring Spa
Carolina Ross, Best Cellars
Ryan Ausmus, Community Foundation of SWKS
Coral Lopez, ITC Great Plains
Scott Beatty, Curtis Machine
Ex-officio members
Jason Scheck, Unified School District #443
J.D. Gilbert, Ford County
Joann Knight, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation
Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College
Megan Welsh, Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau
Nick Hernandez, City of Dodge City
