WHO WE ARE
What We Are About
Our MISSION is to improve the economic quality of life for the working families of the community.
We will do this by:
Creating jobs, through retention, recruitment and expansion of businesses
Strengthening workforce through recruitment, education and training
Improving and increasing the number of living wage jobs
Expanding the tax base through increase capital investment
2022-2023 Annual Report
Great Bend Economic Development
The Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is a public/private partnership focusing on the economic development efforts in Barton County, KS. The board is made up of City Council members, County Commissioners, Chamber Representatives, various leaders in the community, and the general public. We are a dedicated group of business sector stakeholders. This board employs an Executive Director to implement and oversee the efforts of the Economic Development.
Jason Kuilan
Executive Director
Jason brings a broad, results-driven background from his career as a national supplier to Walmart, where he worked across data analytics, product management, category management, and sales for Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target. His experience spans entertainment, laundry, household cleaning, toys, and better-for-you food categories. A small business owner as well, Jason leads a commercial services company that recently signed Walmart as a client. He and his wife Jess recently relocated to Great Bend, where she serves as the hospital’s new General Surgeon, and they enjoy exploring the community, traveling, and spending time with their four animals.
Nicci Henderson
Economic and Community Manager
Nicole (Nicci) Henderson was born and raised in Barton County, graduating from Hoisington High School and Barton Community College she attended the University of Kansas. She returned to Barton County in 2013. With over 3 decades of business management experience, Nicole brings a strong background in collaborative leadership as well as community engagement and program development. Nicole is passionate about growing and improving our community. In her new role, she will focus on advancing projects that drive economic growth, foster partnerships and enhance the local community. Nicole is excited to contribute her skills and energy to support the success of this community. My husband, John, and I reside in Hoisington and have two (perfect and adorable) boys, Sebastian (Bash) 7 and Jack 2. My parents, in-laws, siblings and niblings all reside in Barton County so the growth and wellbeing of our local community is something I am extremely passionate about.
Charley Sander
Meet Our Marketing and Events Intern
Hi! I’m Charley Sander, the newest addition to the team at Great Bend Economic Development. Born and raised in Great Bend, I am continuing my academic career at Barton Community College with a focus on marketing. I hope to further my skills in marketing while I learn alongside my new team! I’m excited to be a part of something so big and have the opportunity to give back to my hometown.
Meet Our Board
Paul Snapp
President/CEO at First Kansas Bank
Ryan Fairchild
Tech Specialist at Innovative Livestock, Services, INC. and Co-Founder at Dry Lake Brewing.
John Worden
PharmD, MS, BCPS, Interim Great Bend Campus Administrator and Executive Director System Integration for Clinical Operations at The University of Kansas Health System.
AJ Chrest
Owner/Founder at Gen 1 Agency
Matt Hiss
Owner at Legacy Financial Solutions
Dr. Marcus Garstecki
Dr. Marcus Garstecki became the sixth president of Barton Community College in July 2024. Dr. Garstecki has over 25 years of experience in higher education and is deeply committed to the role that community colleges play in supporting local workforce and economic development in rural areas. Dr. Garstecki is committed to developing partnerships between education and workforce to enhance the vitality of Barton County and our region. He earned his PhD from Colorado State University in Education and Human Resource Studies.
Aaron Andrews
Aaron Andrews is a 2000 graduate of Great Bend High School, and a 2005 graduate of Kansas State University. In 2017, he along with two other partners started MPIRE Realty Group, which has nine active agents in the Barton County area. Aaron and his wife, Jenna, are both business owners in Great Bend and are both very active on other civic boards. Aaron, Jenna, and their family live in Great Bend with their sons, Carter(9) and Creed(4).
