Don Heinemann was elected chair of the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund during the cabinet's August virtual meeting after a nomination from Lietta Felter and a second from Senator Sykes. The vote was taken by roll call and carried unanimously.

The election followed the cabinet's need to choose a chair under legislation passed in the spring that restructured the board. Board staff cited Robert's Rules of Order and said the board secretary — defined in statute as the paid staffer — was authorized to conduct the meeting until leadership transitioned, and then turned the meeting over to Melissa Schonberger to call for nominations. Lietta Felter said, “I would like to nominate Don Heinemann as chair.” Senator Sykes seconded the nomination. After asking for other nominations and hearing none, the chair vote proceeded by roll call.

Why it matters: the chair position leads the cabinet's meetings and helps set priorities as the group implements grant awards, evaluation activities and planning toward an Office of Early Childhood created by recent legislation. Don Heinemann told members he looked forward to the work ahead and that he expected the chair election to be annual going forward.

Roll-call voting and membership: The roll call recorded members voting in favor, including Dave Younger, Representative Laura Williams, Representative Christy Williams, Representative Suzanne Weichel, Dr. Tara Wallace, Senator Sykes, Tabitha Rosproy, Dr. Lietta Felter, Senator Renee Erickson, Senator Tory Marie Blue and Chair Don Heinemann. The motion passed and Heinemann assumed the gavel.

Discussion vs. action: The nomination and second constituted the formal motion; no amendment or further discussion changed the motion. The vote was a formal action recorded by roll call.

Context and next steps: Members noted the cabinet has several new board members after the recent statutory changes that expanded membership. Heinemann said he looked forward to leading the cabinet through the coming year as the group continues grant decisions and planning for the Office of Early Childhood.