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Hays, KS 67601-0310
Telephone: 785-625-5678
Gerard L. Michaud (Jerry)
Gerard (Jerry) L. Michaud is the President and CEO of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK), a regional non-profit organization serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and communities in 18 rural Kansas counties. Jerry has worked in numerous positions at DSNWK since 1991. He has held positions of Quality Assurance Coordinator, Director of Quality Improvement, and finally, as President and CEO from 2005 to the present. Jerry is a member of the executive committee for InterHab, a state association for Intellectual and Developmental Disability providers in Kansas. He is also active on their Governmental Affairs committee among others.
Jerry earned his Business Administration degree from Fort Hays State University and his Rehabilitation Administration Certification from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with focus areas of Strategic Positioning, Performance Coaching, Leadership, Organizational Dynamics, Financial Management and Human Resource Management. Jerry has also participated in numerous educational conferences and seminars to enrich his professional development.
Jerry grew up in a large family as one of eleven children. He and his wife, Renee, and their two daughters, Monica and Hannah, reside in Hays, KS. Jerry's professional and personal life are enveloped in the service to others - working with young people and serving those in need in his community. DSNWK's mission to advocate, plan and support a life of dignity and inclusion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community is a beacon for Jerry and his leadership at DSNWK. In recognition of Jerry's commitment to community and family life, he was named Knight of the Year by Council #1325 (2003) and his family as "Family of the Year" for District #41 by the State Council of the Knights of Columbus of Kansas.
Michael Berges
Michael Berges is a Major Gift and Planned Giving Officer for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. He brings an enthusiasm to the position of charitable giving by engaging, educating and inviting others to support the life enriching work which is the mission of DSNWK. Michael's experience as a financial planner and investment advisor over the past 10 years brings valuable perspectives for current and future supporters.
Michael grew up as the fifth generation to the Berges Ranch family farm in rural Northeast Kansas. He came to Hays in 1999, attended Fort Hays State University graduating with a degree in Political Science and pursued a career as a licensed financial advisor.
Michael and his wife Erica returned to Hays in 2008. They have three young sons; Jackson, Noah, and Isaac. They enjoy the multitude of activities in which their boys participate. Michael and his family are active in the Hays community and believe it is important for each citizen to work hard to improve their community. Erica is executive director for a local non-profit organization in Hays and Michael also serves as Vice-Mayor for the Hays City Commission.
Steve KeilSteve Keil is the Director of Development for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Steve has served in this capacity at DSNWK for almost 25 years. As the Director of Development, Steve is responsible for the development and maintenance of the public relations program and oversees the development of all media presentations. Steve also coordinates all fundraising activities for DSNWK, as well as all marketing and promotional activities.
Steve was born and raised in Hays, Kansas, attending TMP-Marian High School and Fort Hays State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986 and a Master of Liberal Studies degree in 2005. He and his wife Dawn have two daughters, Hannah and Alyssa .
Allen C. SchmidtAllen Schmidt serves as the Planned Giving Officer for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Allen previously served as Senator of the 36th District consisting of ten rural counties in Northcentral and Northwestern Kansas. Prior to that, Allen was a Senior Medical Business Development Manager for The Columbia Group in Washington D.C. and Lawton, Oklahoma.
Allen is an Army Veteran who retired as a Colonel from the Army Medical Service Corps after serving for 32 years. He completed his career on active duty as the Deputy Commander for Readiness of the Army Reserve Medical Command, a command of 27,000 Soldiers and 230 medical units nationwide.
Allen is a native of Ellis County, Kansas, where he was raised on a third generation family dairy farm. He and his wife Ellen have 9 children - three of whom live with them on the farm north of Hays, Kansas.
Allen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science degree in School Psychology from Fort Hays State University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.