Building a stronger nation through stronger communities

Our Leadership

Board Chair – Ambassador Allan Katz
Founding Co-Chairs – Peggy Dunn and Mary Bloch

Amb. Allan Katz

Board Chairman

Mary Jorgenson

Board Secretary, Community Volunteer

Tom McDonnell

Board Treasurer, Ret. DST Systems

Azzie Amani-Taleshi

SVP, Brand and Engagement Strategy Director

McClain Bryant-Macklin

VP of Policy and Impact

Rebecca Coulson

Program Officer at Hall Family Foundation

Jon R. Gray

Judge

Esther George

Ret. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Adam Hamilton

Sr. Pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Larry Jacob

Civic Leader

Ward Katz

Real Estate Investor

Regina Kort

Community Volunteer

Alana Muller

CEO Coffee Lunch Coffee, Business Consultant

Sue Nerman

Kansas City Art Institute

Greg Orman

Businessman, Entrepreneur, U.S. Political Reformer

Bill Pratt

Ret. Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Mary Sanchez

Senior Reporter, Kansas City PBS

Shaun Stallworth

Holman Schiavone, LLC

Jamila Weaver

Chief Operating Officer, Mission Vision Project KC

APS National Steering Committee

Members of the national steering committee provide strategic support to the organization as it seeks to expand its impact through diverse programming formats, topics, panelists and more. Each member brings a wide array of experiences and expertise, particularly in the national political landscape. They each serve in an advisory capacity to the organization’s Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff.

- - Sally Bradshaw, business owner and longtime conservative political advisor
  - Jason Kander, President of National Expansion at Veterans Community Project, co-host of the Majority 54 podcast, bestselling author, and Founder of American Rescue Project
  - Kevin Madden, senior partner – Penta; former senior advisor – Romney for President
  - Colleen Nelson, executive editor of The Sacramento Bee and McClatchy Regional Editor for California

- - Terry Nelson, founder and managing partner – FP1 Strategies; campaign and media strategy expert
  - Deval Patrick, author, businessman, attorney and former governor of Massachusetts
  - Margaret Talev, Founding Director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship, in Washington, DC, and senior contributor at Axios

Our Team

Claire Bishop

Executive Director

Claire, a proud Kansas City native, is an experienced leader who believes in the power of community. Prior to joining APS, Claire spent 15 years in global marketing, serving as SVP Media at MMGY Global and later leading global marketing at Children International. She earned her B.A. from UMKC.

Tricia Maxfield

Program Director

Tricia is a Kansas native and lifelong learner. A graduate of Kansas State University, KU Law, and Rockhurst University (MEd), she taught middle school social studies before leading APS’ Civics Education Initiative, promoting critical thinking, civic engagement, and media literacy in Kansas City. A newshound and curiosity seeker, she now enjoys directing the APS program calendar.

Ryan Bernsten

Director of Brand & Partnerships

Ryan’s work spans Fortune 500 companies, presidential campaigns, and The Trevor Project, where he earned Webby and Telly Awards. A Northwestern and Oxford graduate, he authored 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy and speaks internationally on dialogue and democracy. He’s also the Playwright-in-Residence at KCPublic Theatre.

Erinn Skepneck

Operations Manager

Erinn Skepnek brings over a decade of nonprofit experience in event planning, operations, and community outreach. She’s led everything from major luncheons to grassroots programs and loves creating spaces for connection. At American Public Square, she’s excited to support meaningful conversations and community-building efforts.

Maleah Grigsby

Event Production Coordinator

Maleah Grigsby is a passionate advocate for conversation and community engagement. With a background in communications and a commitment to fostering understanding, she actively works to bridge divides and elevate diverse voices. Maleah believes in the power of seeking common ground to strengthen our society and build a more connected future.

Robin Smith

Marketing & Communications

Robin Smith, partner at Howe Street Group, is a communication, public affairs, and change management consultant with 20+ years of cross-sector experience. She advises senior leaders on brand positioning, executive communication, employee engagement, and strategic initiatives, helping organizations navigate change, engage stakeholders, and deliver meaningful, measurable results.