KASB is excited to welcome several new team members who bring a wealth of experience in public education and a shared commitment to serving Kansas schools. Collectively, they bring more than 135 years of experience as educators, administrators and leaders, along with firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing school districts across the state. 

From school safety and human resources to strategic planning and board governance, these new staff members add valuable expertise that will strengthen the services and support KASB provides to school boards and district leaders. Their diverse experience will help our association continue meeting the evolving needs of members while advancing strong leadership in Kansas public education. 

Chris Cooper, Director of Human Resources Services 

Chris Cooper joins KASB with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, administrator and district leader. He specializes in school improvement, data-informed decision-making and long-range planning. In his role, Chris will partner with districts on human resources studies, enrollment projections, facility planning and budget forecasting to help schools prepare for future needs. 

Susan Severin, Director of Safety Services 

Susan Severin joins KASB as Director of Safety Services. A school psychologist with more than 20 years of experience, Susan has dedicated her career to supporting student well-being through mental health, crisis response and school safety initiatives. Her experience spans work with Emporia Public Schools, Greenbush Educational Service Center and Emporia State University. She will lead KASB's efforts to help schools create safe, supportive learning environments for students and staff. 

Justin Coup, Leadership Field Specialist 

Justin Coup brings more than 25 years of educational leadership experience to KASB, including more than a decade as superintendent of Solomon USD 393. Throughout his career, he has led district improvement efforts focused on strategic planning, school finance and community engagement. Justin's experience at both the local and state levels will support school boards and administrators as they navigate complex challenges and pursue long-term goals. 

Lee Hanson, Leadership Field Specialist 

Lee Hanson joins KASB as a leadership field specialist after more than 30 years in education. Her experience includes roles in general education, special education and school leadership. Lee is passionate about helping school boards and administrative teams strengthen leadership practices, implement effective systems and develop strategic plans that improve opportunities and outcomes for students. 

Tony Helfrich, Leadership Field Specialist 

After a 31-year career in public education, Tony Helfrich joins KASB as a leadership field specialist. He has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal and superintendent, giving him a broad perspective on the many facets of school leadership. His experience in both rural and urban communities, combined with a collaborative approach to leadership, will help school boards and leadership teams strengthen governance and build strong organizational cultures. 

Please join us in welcoming Chris, Susan, Justin, Lee and Tony to the KASB team. Their combined experience, passion for public education and commitment to serving school districts will be tremendous assets to both KASB and our members. We are excited for the knowledge and perspective they bring and look forward to the impact they will have in supporting school boards and educational leaders across Kansas.