Leading Kansas Founders
While Leading Kansas has recognized founders, the creation of this organization was a collective effort from the start. The first meeting brought together individuals who shared a common concern and a deep commitment to Kansas. In that conversation, a clear need emerged: a non-partisan movement that could bridge divides, stand for truth, and hold leaders accountable—always putting the people of Kansas first. From those early discussions, the momentum grew. The founders stepped up to carry the vision forward, but it was the shared energy, conviction, and sense of purpose from everyone involved that truly sparked this movement. We are proud to represent the founding members and the first board of Leading Kansas.
Chris Jantz
Formerly CEO and founder of Jantz Management, after 20 years, she retired in 2022. Her career in investment management included positions of Chief Investment Officer at NorthStar Asset Management of Boston, Investment Analyst at GMO and AVP at Putnam Investments. She is a graduate of Bethel College (BA), the University of Iowa (MS) and MIT Sloan (MBA) and, she is a Chartered Financial Analyst®. Her volunteer work includes investment committee membership for an educational agency, and board membership for two non-profit organizations, including co-founding Leading Kansas.
Katy Tyndell
Katy Tyndell brings a strong background in law, leadership, and civic engagement to Leading Kansas. A fifth-generation Kansan, she moved to Wichita from Washington, D.C., where she was a staff attorney for the National Congress of American Indians. She now manages Tallgrass Management, LLC, overseeing operations and serving as legal advisor for affiliated family companies. Katy chairs the Sedgwick County Fire District Steering Committee and serves on the advisory board of her children’s school. She holds a B.A. from Stanford (2004) and a J.D. from the University of Maryland (2009), and is licensed to practice law in four states, including Kansas. Her legal expertise, nonprofit leadership, and deep Kansas roots guide her work to advance civic renewal, accountability, and cross-partisan dialogue. She’s inspired daily by her husband and their three children to help build a stronger, more just Kansas.
Noah Taylor
A former U.S. Army infantry team leader and counterintelligence specialist with eight years of service, bringing a grounded, mission-driven mindset to his work in strategy and leadership. With a career rooted in marketing, brand development, and organizational growth, Noah specializes in building data-driven strategies that align purpose with performance. His approach blends tactical experience with big-picture thinking, shaped by years of leading teams and navigating complex systems. Noah is a firm believer that leadership is a form of service—and that those in positions of power carry a responsibility to be transparent, accountable, and committed to the people they represent.
Jess Frieze
Jess is a native Kansan and a Vietnam veteran. He graduated from KSU with a BS in business and owned and worked at The Kitchen Place for 40 years. He retired in 2012 and enjoys giving back to Wichita. He delivers meals with Meals on Wheels twice a week, has had a “little brother” through Big Brothers / Big Sisters for 9 years, is the president of his local homeowners’ association, and enjoys taking classes at WSU. He has been married for almost 56 years and has two daughters.