Meet Our Board!
Lynn Rogers
President
Lynn and his family have lived in the Riverside neighborhood for almost 40 years. While his career was in banking, he served his community on the USD 259 School Board and then in Topeka as State Senator, Lt. Governor, and State Treasurer. He’s now retired and working with a number of Wichita nonprofits. Lynn helped establish the Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit and has been on the board for over two years.
Nate Vierthaler-Johnson
Vice-President
Nate lives in Riverside with his family and works nearby as an attorney at the City of Wichita. After securing his law degree in California – and working off the debt – he found my way back to Kansas. He grew up in Manhattan, went to college in Lawrence, and has been lucky to make a home in Wichita. Nate volunteers for river clean ups and high school debate, enjoys time outdoors, especially on a bicycle, and sits on the board of Open Door in addition to Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit.
Brian Blackerby
Secretary
Brian is a Riverside citizen that loves the neighborhood and being a steward of the wonderful neighborhood features that include the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit. Brian enjoys working with a fun and dynamic group of people that are passionate about their community and has served on the board of Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit for one year.
Gary Kipp
Treasurer
Gary retired as Commander in the Navy after a 25 year career as Naval Flight Officer. After the Navy, Gary went on to serve as a Special Agent for Department of the Treasury for 21 years. When not at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, Gary can probably be found playing golf, an activity he’s loved for over 25 years during which he has played a golf course in all 50 states!
Becca Johnson
Communications Chair
Becca moved to Wichita, KS in 2017 after completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in New York City. Becca’s degrees focused on education, literacy, and serving diverse urban populations. Becca was raised in a military family and spent her formative years moving around the globe, including a stint in Wichita for most of elementary school. Becca works at the City of Wichita in the Office of Community Services. Becca found her way to the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit after getting a tattoo of an opossum in 2023 and has been hanging around ever since. In addition to the Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, Becca sits on the board of The Neighboring Movement.
Zadi Owens
Programming Chair
Zadi is a mother, creator, and neighbor who believes that public spaces are a vital part of healthy communities and that most things are improved by a bit of fresh air. Zadi loves getting to create unique activities that are welcoming to anyone and everyone regardless of age. She can be found frequently in Riverside Park giving out magic and popsicles for free.