When not chasing kids, Regan Reif is chasing a better Great Bend.

Reif has lived in Great Bend for a decade. Today, she and her husband Cole remain in her adopted hometown with their two boys Fitz (age 5). 

“I moved here following my graduation from Fort Hays State University. I love the people in Great Bend,” she said of what keeps her and what makes the community special. “I believe there are many folks in our community who are committed to making it a wonderful place to live, and I’m grateful to those who actively give of their time, energy and resources to improve our community.

“As a community, I feel we can either decide that our best days are behind us or our best days are in front of us; I choose the latter and am grateful to the many others who do as well,” she said.

A western Kansas farm girl

Reif was born in Hoxie and grew up on her family’s farm near that  northwest Kansas community. She graduated from Hoxie Junior-Senior High School in 2009, and from Fort Hays State University in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership.

“I moved to Great Bend after graduating from FHSU for my first job (post-college) as a human resources and marketing associate at Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball Chtd.,” she said. “Prior to interviewing at ABBB, I had traveled to Great Bend one time with a friend who was wedding dress shopping. I have greatly enjoyed living here.”

Now she has grown roots  and become  a staunch community advocate. She has also settled into her job.

“My professional career has spanned various business areas over the past 10 years, such as marketing, public and community relations, human resources, organizational development, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions work,” she said. 

At present, she is the strategic marketing manager at The University of Kansas Health System. “I joined the health system team in May 2021. I feel fortunate to work for an amazing organization with incredibly talented people who are passionate about providing exceptional healthcare close to home,” she said.

Heavily involved

Reif has taken her commitment to Great Bend seriously. In her years here, she become active in a host of organizations including: 

• Prairie Godmothers Advisory Board (member since 2013).

• United Way of Central Kansas Board of Directors (since 2015). She is currently on the Executive Board secretary.

• Great Bend Chamber Board of Directors (since 2021).

• Barton Arts Movement steering committee (since 2021).

• Fort Hays State University Alumni Board of Ambassadors (since 2022).

• Holy Family School Endowment Board (since 2022).

• Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, Inc. - Class XVI Associate (since 2022).

In addition, “I also facilitate strategic planning and (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis seminars as part of the Golden Belt Leadership program,” she said. “Prior to serving in the organizations listed above, I was actively involved as a Great Bend Chamber Ambassador for three years.”

Additionally, she served on the Barton County Young Professionals steering committee for six years and was the elected chairperson for two years. 

Family time

As for hobbies, she has two – her sons Fitz and Dax. “Most of my husband and my time is spent chasing our two little boys,” she said

“Outside of spending time with family and friends, I love giving back to our community and FHSU through a variety of service organizations. I also enjoy traveling and attending music concerts.”

She is also a member of Prince of Peace Parish. “I currently serve on our church’s Endowment Board for Holy Family School,” she said.

A great place to live

Now, she invites others to feel this energy in the place she calls home.

“Great Bend is a great community to raise a family in and grow your professional career,” she said, noting this area practically sells itself. “The people in Great Bend truly make it a special place to live. The generosity in our community is inspiring.”

Community Connections is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing people who live in the Golden Belt. We welcome readers to submit names of individuals who are active in the community that they would like to see featured in a future story. Send suggestions to news@gbtribune.com and explain their “community connections.”