New chief operating officer at El Centro. Inc.
Dr. Kelli Mather has been hired as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Kansas City-area non-profit El Centro, Inc.
For the last 28 years, Dr. Mather has been with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools serving in numerous leadership roles that include Executive Director of Operations and Quality Control, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, among others. Prior to her work at KCKPS, she worked as a therapist with adolescents and adults on issues regarding drug and alcohol dependence as well as psychiatric disorders. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in Business from Baker University and a Doctoral degree in Business Management from California Coast University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelli to our team in this important role as we look to grow and expand our programs in the coming years,” said Irene Caudillo, the Executive Director at El Centro Inc. “She is a relational leader that cultivates community and business partnerships, and empowers staff to function as a team and work collaboratively. Her experience and knowledge will propel our organization and our mission to further strengthen our community and improve lives.”
“This position brings an amazing opportunity to oversee the growth of a community-leading organization while also offering personal professional growth,” said Dr. Mather. “I look forward to managing the organization’s positive future changes and reinforcing a unified agency culture consistent with its vision and mission.”
El Centro was established in 1976 to address the needs and concerns of Kansas City, Kansas’ Hispanic population. The mission of El Centro, Inc. is “strengthening communities and improving lives of Latinos and others through educational, social, and economic opportunities.”
Dr. Mather’s official start date will be determined in the coming weeks.
