WICHITA, Kan. – The Kansas Health Foundation is pleased to announce Valerie Black-Turner has been promoted to Director of Community Partnerships, and Juston White has been promoted to Director of Institutional Partnerships and Special Projects.

These promotions continue KHF’s efforts to more deeply engage with partners across Kansas working to eliminate health disparities and promote positive health outcomes across the state.

“I’m so pleased KHF has the opportunity to recognize and promote the outstanding contributions Valerie and Juston are making to our organization and to our partners,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF President and CEO. “The work they’re doing is essential to addressing inequities within communities, and their commitment and connection to the work happening around Kansas is unparalleled.”

Black-Turner has been with KHF for more than 20 years in a wide range of roles. She’s served in administrative and information technology positions, worked in community organizing, and, most recently, served as a community impact officer.

White joined KHF in 2023 following successful tenures as an executive at the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Kansas and KVH Hospital (now Camber Children’s Mental Health). At KHF, he’s served as a community impact officer.

Both Black-Turner and White were instrumental in the establishment of KHF’s Building Power and Equity Partnership (BPEP) initiative. This 10-year partnership with 30 grassroots organizations marks the largest investment in racial equity in the history of KHF.

“If our organization is going to reach its goal of empowering Kansas to lead the nation in health, we have to rethink traditional models of philanthropy and more directly engage with the communities experiencing the greatest health disparities,” O’Malley said. “We believe Juston and Valerie are uniquely positioned to lead these efforts, and we know the impact they’ll make in the future is substantial.”

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