"The Kansas Leadership Center will be an important and valuable asset to the future of our state," Vliet said. "Ed is the ideal leader for the Center. As a native Kansan, he has a deep commitment and passion for ensuring that our communities and our people reach their full potential."

The Kansas Leadership Center, which will be based in Wichita, will be driven by a mission to develop leaders who will mobilize and transform their communities, institutions and organizations. It will offer training in strategic planning, community organizing, facilitation and advocacy, as well as convene leaders around the state on important health and wellness issues.

The Kansas Health Foundation has long been involved in leadership issues and training. Since 1988, the Foundation has been conducting statewide listening tours to learn from citizens what they think are the most important health issues in their community. Whether in small towns or large cities, the people of Kansas have consistently said they need more leaders to help identify problems and energize their communities to develop and implement solutions.

"While we can't imagine what issues Kansans may be facing in 20, 30, or even 50 years, we can prepare individuals across this state to handle whatever challenges or opportunities may arise in the decades to come," Vliet said. "With the training that will be offered at the Center, we hope to see a major shift in the number of people willing to step into leadership roles."

O'Malley will start as president and CEO of the Center January 2, 2007, and will begin developing all aspects of the Center.

"The issue of leadership will be a major factor in creating and maintaining vibrant communities throughout Kansas," O'Malley said. "I'm thrilled to accept the challenge of leading the Center and continuing my dedication and service to the people of Kansas."

First appointed to represent Kansas House District 24-which serves a portion of Johnson County-in 2003, O'Malley won re-election in 2004 and 2006. As a member of the House, he's served on committees for economic development, financial institutions, taxation and transportation.

Along with his leadership experiences as a state representative, O'Malley is a graduate and former board member of Leadership Kansas, as well as being a graduate and former board member of Leadership Northeast Johnson County.

O'Malley is a graduate of Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

The Kansas Health Foundation has committed $30 million over 10 years to the Kansas Leadership Center. The Center will serve as an independent, 501(c)3 organization.