“ I am excited to help chart GMCF’ s path forward as we finish work on a much-needed strategic plan,” Smoller said.“ With our tremendous growth the past several years, we are poised to start taking a more active role in the Manhattan community with our-non-profits to address challenges.” •
INDUSTRY NEWS
KANSAS MARKETPLACE HEADLINES
TRUSTED CHOICE RENAMES RELIEF FUND TO HONOR BIG I LEADER
The Trusted Choice Relief Fund has a new name. It is now called the Bobby Salmon Big“ I " Relief Fund, honoring the memory of the late Executive Committee member, Bobby Salmon of North Carolina, who served in that position from September 2023 until his untimely death in March 2024.
The name change came as a recommendation from the Big“ I " Board of Directors based on Salmon ' s efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022, when he challenged every state to raise money for the fund. That work resulted in nearly $ 200,000 being added to the fund which provides financial assistance to insurance industry personnel impacted by catastrophes not covered by their own insurance or other grants and funding sources.
PASSING OF KEYSTONE ' S BOEDKER
Partners.
The insurance industry lost at true visionary with the unexpected passing of David Boedker in February. David served as CEO and President of Keystone Insurance Group for 38 years and was the founder Keystone Agency
His enthusiasm and passion were contagious and inspired many people both inside and out of the insurance industry.
SMOLLER NAMED GMCF CHAIR
Beth Smoller, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of KAIA, was installed as Chair of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation( GMCF) on Monday, March 24, 2025. She succeeds Matt Crocker, CEO of SPS Companies.
Established in 1999, GMCF has grown to become the largest community foundation in Kansas, managing assets exceeding $ 400 million. GMCF supports 20 partner community foundations operating under its umbrella, serving communities throughout northeast Kansas.
In 2024 alone, GMCF distributed nearly $ 25 million in grants and scholarships, significantly impacting local organizations and affiliates. Marking an exciting expansion, GMCF also broke ground last year on the Flint Hills Community Accelerator, an innovative facility aimed at addressing critical community issues such as childcare shortages, employment opportunities, education advancement, and healthcare improvements.
Smoller brings extensive professional and philanthropic experience to her new role. A Kansas native raised near Holton; she earned her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University before receiving her J. D. from the University of Kansas.
“ I am excited to help chart GMCF’ s path forward as we finish work on a much-needed strategic plan,” Smoller said.“ With our tremendous growth the past several years, we are poised to start taking a more active role in the Manhattan community with our-non-profits to address challenges.” •
Our thoughts and prayers are with David’ s family and the entire Keystone community and team.
MARCH / APRIL 2025
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