Steve Coen was named president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation in August 2008.

Since joining the Foundation in 1987, Coen has held a number of different positions, including director of public affairs and program officer. He has also served as vice president for administration for 10 years.

During his tenure, Coen has been involved with all areas of program development, but has been particularly instrumental in designing and implementing the Foundation's leadership programs, including the Kansas Leadership Center, the Kansas Health Foundation Fellows, the Kansas Community Leadership Initiative and the GROW community foundation program.

Coen also conceived the idea, and was instrumental in the development of, the Physical Dimensions program, a course that provides high school students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in a physically-active, healthy lifestyle. Coen's work on this program earned him a national award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Coen was also awarded the American Association of Family and Consumer Science's 21st Century Community Champion Award. This award is presented to an individual or organization whose work over time has made a significant contribution in strengthening families.

Before coming to the Foundation, Coen served as a legislative assistant to Sen. Bob Dole in Washington, D.C. and as state director of Sen. Dole's four Kansas offices.

In addition to his professional experiences, Coen is a past member of the board of directors of the Kansas Humanities Council, has served as president of the board of directors for the Wichita River Festival and currently serves as chair of the Governor's Council on Fitness. He is also chair of the Chapel Hill Fellowship United Methodist Church Council.

Coen, a native of St. John, Kan., completed his undergraduate work at Emporia State University and later earned a law degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.