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CPI employees attain ASPPAs TGPC designation
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Theresa Leiker

Theresa Leiker and Dianna Disque of CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc. have recently passed all of the required exams to attain their Tax-Exempt and Governmental Plan Consultant designation through the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. These exams include the Tax-Exempt Governmental Plan Administration and Plan exams.
Leiker started at CPI in February 1985 as a specialist in the Plan Termination Department. In March 1987, she was promoted to supervisor. In 1990, she also became supervisor of the ESOP Department. In April, 1998, she was promoted to manager of technical services which included the Plan Termination, Plan Document, ESOP, 403(b), Flexible Benefit Plan Services and Defined Benefit Plan Services Departments. In 2007, she also became manager of the newly formed Common Remitter Services Department. In September 2011 she became senior manager. She has also attained her Qualified Pension Administrator and her Certified Pension Consultant designations through ASPPA.
Disque started at CPI in January 1989 as a specialist in the Plan Termination Department. In August 1992, she became a plan administrator in the ESOP Department. In July 1994, she was promoted to senior administrator, and in August 1995, she was promoted to consulting senior. In October 1997, she became Consulting Senior in the 403(b) Department, and then supervisor in October 2000. In March 2004, the 403(b) Department became the Governmental Tax-Exempt Plan Administration Services Department, and she became manager of that department in September 2011.
ASPPA is the premier national organization for career retirement plan professionals who work to preserve and enhance the private pension system. The membership includes pension professionals of all types: consultants, administrators, accountants, attorneys, chartered life underwriters, and more. Currently, ASPPA has over 6,000 members.
CPI was incorporated in July of 1972 as a fee-based pension consulting firm. CPI specializes in the design, installation and administration of Qualified Employee Benefit Plans (including 401(k) and 403(b) plans) and Flexible Benefit Plans, as well as providing a full range of consulting and payroll services to over 3,500 clients in all 50 states. CPI currently employs about 500 people, most of whom work in the Great Bend, Kansas corporate office. CPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation, a leading insurance and financial services organization.

Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.