Where was Molly?

 

Here is a clear, researched overview of the 19 individuals listed on the December 31, 2000 Board of Directors for the Growth Organization of Topeka/Shawnee County, Inc. (the original legal name of what became Go Topeka / the economic-development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership).

In 2000, this was a powerhouse board representing Topeka’s key sectors: banking, education, healthcare, real estate/construction, government, media, law, and community leadership. It was typical for a young economic-development nonprofit — civic-minded leaders helping attract business and investment.

I’ve organized them with:

  • Who they were then (circa 2000)
  • What they are now (as of 2026)
  • Key known facts

Still Active or Recently Active in Topeka Civic/Business Life

  • Mark Wittenburg Then: Local business leader in real estate/development. Now: President/Owner of Batis Development Company (commercial real estate, retail/restaurant redevelopment). Still very active — involved in major Topeka Boulevard projects as recently as 2025–2026. Long-time GO Topeka board member and past chair.
  • Ben Blair Then: Prominent real estate and construction figure (Blair Construction / real estate brokerage). Now: Former owner of Coldwell Banker Commercial Griffith & Blair. Business transitioned to family around 2020; he remains a respected name in Topeka real estate circles. (Past Kansas REALTORS® president.)
  • Duane Fager Then: Banker — president of Commerce Bank & Trust (now CoreFirst Bank & Trust). Now: Long-time Chairman of the Board at CoreFirst Bank & Trust (retired as president ~2013 after 50+ years). With wife Beth, major philanthropist; 2017 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame inductee. Still influential in banking and community giving.
  • Alonzo Harrison Then: Community and business leader. Now: CEO of HDB Construction (family-owned Black-owned heavy civil construction company founded by his father in 1958). Still running the business in Topeka; noted for entrepreneurship and community involvement.
  • S. Lucky DeFries (the attorney who prepared the original Articles of Incorporation) Then: Practicing attorney (Coffman, DeFries & Northern); helped found the organization. Now: Still an active tax attorney at Morris Laing law firm in Topeka. Long-time civic leader (past chair of Rotary, Chamber, YMCA, etc.).
  • Dr. Jerry Farley Then: President of Washburn University (since 1997). Now: Retired in 2022 after 25 years as Washburn president. Highly respected elder statesman in Topeka higher education and community affairs.
  • Maynard Oliverius Then: Senior executive at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. Now: Retired CEO of Stormont-Vail after 43 years (retired ~2012). Served on numerous nonprofit boards.
  • Kris Robbins Then: Executive at Security Benefit (major financial services firm). Now: Former President & CEO of Security Benefit. Led the company through significant growth in the 2000s–2010s.
  • Joan Wagnon Then: Mayor of Topeka (1997–2001); former state legislator. Now: Retired from elected office. Remains active in volunteer work, nonprofits (e.g., YWCA), and Democratic Party activities.
  • Sam Carkhuff Then: Community/business leader. Now: Long-time real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Topeka. Still active in the industry.

Deceased (with approximate year of death)

  • Mike Engler — Passed away September 15, 2024 (age 70). Local businessman.
  • Charles Duran (F. Charles Duran) — Passed away February 2005 (age 62). Community/labor leader.
  • John Goossen — Passed away September 29, 2021 (age 67). Newspaper executive/publisher (including at the Topeka Capital-Journal); strong United Way and philanthropy advocate.
  • Dr. Robert McFrazier — Passed away November 2015 (age 75). Former Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools (USD 501).
  • Ted Ensley — Passed away March 2023 (age 87). Long-time Shawnee County Commissioner; the Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens in Topeka is named after him.
  • John Dugan — Passed away June 2019 (age 77). Business/community leader.
  • Merle Blair — Passed away September 2016 (age 80). Legendary Topeka radio broadcaster and former President/CEO of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

Limited or Lower-Profile Public Information Post-2000

  • Carl Koupal — Then: Banker/attorney. Now: Retired CEO of Community Bank (2017); previously held executive legal roles (e.g., Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka). Remains in the Topeka area.
  • Devin Sutherland — Then: Civic/government-affiliated address. Now: Limited high-profile public records available after 2000.

Overall note: This board reflected Topeka’s “who’s who” in 2000 — a deliberate mix of private-sector executives, educators, healthcare leaders, elected officials, and civic heavyweights to drive economic growth. Many stayed deeply involved in the region for decades. Several have since passed, but their contributions shaped modern Topeka (banks, universities, hospitals, parks, construction, etc.).

Would you like deeper details on any specific person (e.g., full obituary excerpts, company history, or photos)? Or comparisons to later boards? Just let me know!

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