Women’s Foundation Applauds Sedgwick County Commission’s New Appointments Policy

New policy advances the goals of the Appointments Project®, which works to increase diversity and effectiveness of civic boards.

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. – The Women’s Foundation today applauded the Sedgwick County Commission for adopting a new process for at-large board appointments to encourage diversity, ensure transparency for the appointment process, and raise community awareness. The new policy advances the goals of the Appointments Project®, created by the Women’s Foundation to increase the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions.

Women interested in serving on a board or commission in Sedgwick County can apply at: https://www.appointmentsproject.org/kansas/

Requested by Commissioner Lacey Cruse, the policy clarifies how at-large board appointments are promoted, applied for, reviewed, and considered by the Board of County Commissioners. Cruse said she wanted a larger number of applicants and for the board to accurately reflect the demographics of the county. 

“We are happy to see leaders like Commissioner Lacey Cruse take the initiative to improve the appointments process and increase the diversity of civic boards and commissions,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “Civic boards and commissions should reflect the communities they serve, and our research shows that a commitment to diversity not only boosts public trust – it also improves effectiveness and outcomes for everyone.” 

Increasing the representation of women on public boards and commissions has been a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which created the Appointments Project® to help women navigate the appointment process and engage elected officials to make appointments that reflect their communities.

The Sedgwick County Commission’s new appointments policy arrives in the wake of Governor Laura Kelly’s commitment to gender diversity and closing the leadership gap in Kansas. Gov. Kelly has appointed more than 100 women to boards, commissions, and the judiciary since she took office in January. 

More information on the Appointments Project® is available at: http://www.appointmentsproject.org 

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