WICHITA, Kan. - The Kansas Health Foundation announced today that Marni Vliet is stepping down as President and CEO of the Foundation. Vliet has spent the summer on a leave which she says has prompted her decision. Vliet said, "For 22 years, I have been privileged to work with the Foundation family, and as difficult as it is to leave this wonderful organization, I would like to take what I have learned and assist other foundations, non-profits and the private sector in helping to improve the health of the population, especially children in their earliest years." Through the transition, Vliet will continue to serve as a consultant to the Foundation.

Vliet began with the Foundation in 1985 and served in several positions, including as program officer, vice president for programs, senior vice president and executive vice president and chief operating officer before being named president and CEO in 1996.

Vliet says, "I have learned through our work at the Foundation the importance of leadership at all levels, and I have been so fortunate to have extraordinary mentors and colleagues who have given so much to me that I think it is time to give what I can to others."

Vliet also plans to turn her attention to a new consulting business to help other organizations in Kansas and across the nation to develop their potential through strategic planning and organizational and leadership development, particularly in the areas of early childhood education, population health and health policy.

"We have great respect for Marni and all that she has done for the Foundation and for Kansas," said Foundation Board Chairman, Ron Holt. "Her dedication to the health of all Kansans has helped people throughout the state address important issues."

During Vliet's tenure, the Foundation focused on grants in the areas of children's health, public health, leadership and policy. She helped launch the Kansas Health Institute, an organization that provides objective information on health issues to policymakers. During the past few years she oversaw the formation of the Kansas Leadership Center, a nonprofit statewide entity with the mission to develop leaders who will mobilize and transform their communities, institutions and organizations. These partners and others throughout Kansas have joined the Foundation and Vliet in the vision to make Kansas the best state in the country to raise a child.

In addition to her service on the Wichita Art Museum and Wichita Symphony boards, she also serves on several national boards, including Drug Strategies and the Centers for Disease Control Foundation (CDC), and served as former chair of Grantmakers in Health and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (formerly the President's Drug Advisory Council).

"Marni's 22 years of service to the Foundation have been outstanding, and we wish her the best in her new endeavors," Holt said. "We know she will continue to make a difference in the lives of Kansans and throughout the country."

The Kansas Health Foundation Board plans to begin a national search for the Foundation's president and CEO. In the meantime, Don Stewart has agreed to lead the Foundation on an interim basis during the transition. Stewart served as chief operating officer at Wesley Medical Center and then as a senior vice president at the Foundation. He has continued as a part-time consultant, serving in an advising role since the Foundation's inception.

"We are fortunate to have a staff with years of experience," Holt said. "The Foundation is in good hands while we conduct a nationwide search for the leader to carry on our mission."

The Kansas Health Foundation is a private philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. Based in Wichita, the Foundation strategically allocates approximately $23 million annually in four major funding categories: Children's Health, Leadership, Public Health and Policy.