From the halls of Shelby High School to the plains of Kansas, Jane Sites Mackey ‘70 embarked on a career that had her serving the greater good.
While at SHS she was a member of Tri-Hi-Y, Drama Club, Pep Club and GAA. She also served on her junior class Executive Committee and worked senior concessions. Starting her sophomore year, she also made time to work at Hoffman Shoes.
She then went on to earn a bachelors degree at the University of Kansas and became a middle school math and science teacher. Jane returned to school to earn an MBA also at University of Kansas that led to a career change to the non-profit world. There for 20 years (1979-1999) she served as president and CEO of Kansas Blood Services. Next she served as assistant secretary of the state’s Department of Health & Environment, a position appointed by the governor. She returned to the non-profit sector, serving as president and executive director of Stormont Vail Foundation – which provides support to a large health system – until her retirement in 2017. During her tenure, foundation assets grew from $12 million to $22.5 million. For six years, Jane served as a fundraising consultant and owned her own fundraising consulting business serving numerous regional organizations. Throughout her career Jane was immersed in community service including Governors Task Force on AIDS and Kansas Childrens Cabinet. She also has served on numerous boards: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Topeka, Junior League Topeka, Community Resource (which she also chaired), Topeka Community Foundation, Topeka Symphony Endowment, Northeast Kansas Girl Scouts, American Lung Association of Kansas.
Observes a fellow alum, The way Jane has lived her life exemplifies the foundation educational and cultural that she received while growing up and maturing in her hometown of Shelby.