Chamber Ambassadors

Audacious Boutique

Sydney and her husband are both proud small business owners – he is the talent behind the video production company Creative124. The two love living in Pittsburg with their two yorki-poos Duke and Coco. Sydney’s previous endeavors have been opening a local coffee shop, consulting small businesses, economic development, and traveling the country providing leadership development to college women. She loves inspiring confidence in women which was a major reason she wanted to own a boutique. Sydney only has one special talent and that is being able to rap the entirety of “Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice.

Wood-Dulohery Insurance, Inc.

As a Commercial Insurance producer Chris specializes with businesses, and farms all over the four states to help them manage their risk, to be more profitable.  Whether that is on the property & casualty side or with employee benefits. Chris is a  Certified Authority on Work Comp holding that designation, Chris has sat on the board of the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents, along with being a committee member of the Technology, Membership and Young Agents committees. He is a current board member of SEK Inc., a regional economic development organization created by Southeast Kansas businesses and Government entities that help to enhance the economic climate of Southeast Kansas in a 12 county region. Chris currently serves as Vice President and Membership Chairperson for Pittsburg Noon Kiwanis.  He has been with Wood-Dulohery Insurance, one of the largest locally owned independent agencies in southeast Kansas, for 15 years. He is married and has seven children that keep him very busy.  In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting , fishing, golfing and watching many of his kids sporting events.

Senior Marketing Consultant
KOAM-TV

Diane is a life-long, four-state area resident.  She and her husband currently live in rural Pittsburg and are the proud parents of two married sons and a grandson. She is a Labette Community College alumnus and also a proud member of Gorilla Nation, completing her marketing degree at Pittsburg State University. Diane’s career at KOAM-TV began by answering an ad posted on a college billboard looking for a summer sales intern.  Over 30 years later she continues to work at KOAM, currently as a Senior Marketing Consultant. Away from the TV station she enjoys volunteer work through many community organizations and is always up for camping, junking or a good DIY project!

Security 1st Title

Shannon Brutchin is the County Manager for Security 1^st Title in Pittsburg and has served in the title industry for over 13 years. While she enjoys the researching and the closings of properties, Shannon also values working with her clients to make sure she can bring them the best experience possible. In addition to being a Chamber Ambassador, Shannon also serves on the Chamber Board, is a member of the Pittsburg Noon Rotary Club, serves on the R.V. Haderlein School Site Council and she volunteers throughout the community. She has three wonderful children that keep her busy and very involved in the community and the schools.

PSU – College of Technology

A University Professor at Pittsburg State University’s College of Technology Department of Technology and Workforce Learning, Dr. Johnson teaches classes in Human Resource Development and Industrial Management and is a coordinator of PSU’s newly established Minor in Innovation Engineering. Known as Pittsburg State University’s “Memory Guy”, he learns and remembers the names of every student in his classes the very first night of class. Dr. Johnson is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences. He has been named Outstanding Teaching Faculty at PSU three times and was named the National Outstanding Career and Technical Educator in 2000. An active member of Gorilla Toastmasters, Dr. Johnson was most recently awarded the Toastmasters International organization’s highest honor as Distinguished Toastmaster August 2014. Dr. Johnson has been a champion for the Chamber’s Leadership programs for more than a decade, helping create the Crawford County Youth Leadership Program and the Leadership High Program that have reached the lives of more than 8,000 students since 2003. He was recognized as the Chamber Volunteer of the Year in 2012 and received the Chamber Spirit of Pittsburg award in 2022. In addition to his duties as a professor, Dr. Johnson serves as a training consultant with the Theatrical, Stage and Motion Picture Employees, as well as the Carpenters, The Painters and Allied Trades, The Plumbers and Pipefitters, and The Utility Workers all across the U.S. and Canada. He resides in Pittsburg with his wife Jacki.

Community National Bank and Trust – Pittsburg

Brian Lorimer has over 15 years finance experience with time at Abbey Title Company, Arvest Bank and now Community National Bank.  He enjoys working hand in hand with borrowers to achieve their financial goals and make their lives better.  Brian is a Missouri Southern grad with a BSBA in Economics and Finance.  He earned his MBA from William Woods University.  Brian loves giving back to his community having chaired the United Way Campaign, Past president of the Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary, a board member for the Children’s Advocacy Center as well as an Ambassador for the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.  He has been honored to receive the award of Volunteer of the year for both United Way and Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.  Brian has been married to his beautiful wife Jamie for over 19 years, has four amazing children and 3 grandchildren.  In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family; playing, officiating and coaching volleyball; or remodeling their loft home in downtown Galena, KS.

State Farm Insurance/Lori Ann Spachek

Lori Ann has been a local State Farm Agent since 2005. Being a Chamber Ambassador gives her an awesome excuse to leave the office and get out and network with other business owners who share a common interest in serving their community, listening for new ideas, and having their voices heard, all while eating pastries! Lori Ann and her team take pride in having over 45 years of combined Insurance and Financial Services expertise, including Life Insurance, Business Needs, Retirement Planning, and Legacy Giving. Their mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. At the Lori Ann Spachek Agency, they’re making a difference in Pittsburg, one client at a time!

Ryan Insurance

Born and raised in Pittsburg Kansas, Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in the area of Family and Consumers Sciences as well as her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Pittsburg State University. OAGAAG, she went on to teach full time as an instructor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at PSU. A move to Kansas City, several career changes, and 4 kids later (Molly, Annie, Max, and Kit), Katie and her husband Justin found themselves back in Pittsburg where Katie currently works as a Producer for Ryan Insurance; specializing in Commercial & Personal lines Property & Casualty Insurance.  She is also employed as an adjunct Instructor in the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University.  Katie attributes her Career shift to her passion for Consumerism; she is dedicated to providing excellent service to businesses that drive the local economy.  Ryan insurance is an Acrisure Agency Partner and a member of Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA).

KCP&L | Evergy

As a regional Lead Customer Solutions Manager, Kari works as a trusted energy advisor and economic development liaison across more than 20 counties in Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri. She grew up south of Girard, just a mile from where she and husband, Matt, live and farm today. Kari attended Kansas State University and earned a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Communications. Her experience in Marketing and Communications led her to positions at Fort Scott Community College, the City of Parsons as PIO/Community Development Director, and currently to Evergy, where she has been for the past 7 years. She was recently named to the statewide Kansas Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program (KARL) Class XVI. In 2019, she was named a Pittsburg Chamber Woman of Distinction, and has received multiple awards for her accomplishments. Kari was named one of Joplin Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and has earned two Kansas Department of Commerce Main Street Awards for program development and marketing. She has a passion for improving the region and is currently treasurer of the K-State Research & Extension Wildcat District Board working throughout Crawford, Labette, Wilson and Montgomery counties. She participates in Kansas Economic Development Alliance, and also enjoys working with students through the Crawford County Youth Leadership Program among other volunteer activities.

Leisure Time Products

Rhonda is the Director of Human Resources for Leisure Time Products (formerly known as Backyard Discovery) in Pittsburg. Rhonda received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from MSSU and later attended MSU and received her Human Resource Management Certification. Rhonda has more than 20 years’ experience in Human Resources. As the Director of Human Resources, she has responsibility for multiple locations in Kansas, Missouri, Canada, China and most recently the UK.

Before coming to Leisure Time Products in 2017, Rhonda spent several years as the HR Director for Dyno Nobel, and later serving as the Director of Human Resources for Blue Buffalo, starting the first ever manufacturing facility in Joplin, Mo.

Rhonda has a passion for leading, developing and working in the community. Rhonda is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, as well as a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Rhonda has been a member of the Rotary Club as well as the Soroptimist International throughout her career. She is married to her husband Tod, and they have three children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys golfing and spending time with her family.

City of Pittsburg

Sarah Runyon has held the position of public information manager for the City of Pittsburg since 2017 and has more than 12 years of experience in public relations and marketing. In her current role, she manages the social media presence for the City of Pittsburg, and coordinates with city departments to engage the community through various communications channels. She serves as the city’s spokesperson and liaison to the news media. Sarah is a graduate of Pittsburg State University (BS ‘011) where she studied commercial graphics. Sarah Runyon has been a part of many local non-profit and civic organizations including Mosaic in Southeast Kansas, Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation, Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, SEK Art Fest, Downtown Advisory Board, Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary, First Baptist Church of Cherokee, Joint City-University Advisory Board Marketing Committee, and Crawford County Recovery Task Force. Sarah lives in Pittsburg with her husband Isaac and daughter Freya.

The Fleming Law Firm, LLC

Kaylyn is a Crawford County native. She grew up in Cherokee Kansas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University and her law degree from the Washburn University School of Law. She has practiced in Pittsburg since 2018 and has been with the Fleming Law Firm since 2020. She served as the President of Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary for the ’22-’23 term and enjoys volunteering in the community, helping others succeed and watching Pittsburg evolve and grow. She is married to her husband, Shawn Seematter, and in her free time she loves traveling, attending her brother’s sporting events and cheering on her husband’s football team.

Shelter Insurance

Cheryle is a life-long resident of Pittsburg. Her and her husband Rick have three daughters that all graduated from Pittsburg State University. They attend and are involved at PittNaz church. She is a Children’s Advocacy Center board member and volunteers in many other organizations. Cheryle is proud to be an ambassador of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and is also proud of the exciting things going on in Pittsburg.

Guest Home Estates

Shelley has been with Guest Home Estates for 19 years, beginning as a manager and now as VP of Operations. She enjoys spending time with her husband Dave, two sons, Dylan and Dalton, daughter in law Mattson and is looking forward to her first grand-daughter on the way.

Pittsburg State University

Marissa grew up in Girard, KS, so is very familiar with the area. She attended Pittsburg State and was a member of the women’s basketball team. After Pitt State, she went to Wichita State to earn her master’s degree in Sport Management. Her experience is primarily in athletics administration but has taken on a new role as Assistant Director of Partnership Development/Industry Engagement for the department of Economic Development/Community Outreach at Pittsburg State. Marissa is also a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Leadership Council, the Pittsburg Community Child Care Learning Center Advisory Board, and the PSU Recreation Advisory Board. In her spare time, Marissa loves to chase her two ornery boys, attend sporting events, and attempt DIY projects she finds on Pinterest.

Community Green Farms

Matt is a Pittsburg native and seventh generation Southeast Kansan. He attended St. Mary’s Colgan schools K-12 before earning his BBA from Pittsburg State University. Matt has worked in the nonprofit sector, primarily on improving food systems, for the past twelve years. In January 2023 he became the first Director of Community Green Farms, a local nonprofit placing farm classrooms in high schools across the state which utilize hands-on education and innovative agricultural production. He also works as a Program Assistant for the Kansas Food Action Network. Matt is a former ex-officio member of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board, a current Board Member for Pittsburg Beautiful and the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals where he serves in the Past President role, and an incoming Board Member for the Pittsburg Noon Rotary Club.

Don the Phone Guy

Don has been working on a large variety of electronics for the last 40+ years. He started his own business in 2015 after doing phone repair “on the side” for 3 years. For as long as he can remember he’s been taking things apart. Sometimes fixing, sometimes just curiosity. He has been a Pittsburg resident since 2005.