The Kansas Sampler Foundation is excited to announce that Karly Frederick will be joining the team as the We Kan Program Manager in January 2026.
A Rice County native, Frederick has spent significant time building relationships in rural communities across the state. She worked as the Rice County Community Foundation executive director before completing her Master’s in sustainable rural development at Queen’s University Belfast. She currently resides in Lyons.
“Karly’s experience covers many facets of rural community life,” said Simone Elder, incoming executive director. “The pairing of these experiences with her deep understanding of sustainability and her enthusiasm for people to love where they live, make her a perfect fit for this position.”
In this role, Frederick will help complete a statewide research and storytelling effort and guide the next chapter of the We Kan program, which connects and equips community builders across Kansas. The program includes the Foundation’s annual conferences, smaller events, monthly newsletters, the PowerUp movement, and annual awards. She will foster opportunities for connection, peer support, and shared learning while elevating what’s working across the We Kan network.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Kansas communities have given me a deep sense of purpose, and it feels meaningful to be part of the We Kan movement,” said Frederick. “I cannot wait to meet more rural community builders, hear their stories, and support the work they are doing in their towns."
To join the WeKan Tidbits mailing list and find other leaders and do-ers making a difference in rural Kansas, visit kansassampler.org.