Feed Northland Kids is a unique organization focused on addressing weekend nutrition and hunger by providing healthy, kid-friendly foods for school-age children, living in the Northland of Kansas City, MO. We are honored by the involvement of our board members, comprised of thought leaders and industry luminaries that are helping to create awareness, raise funding and identify solutions to address this need.
Gwen O'Brien
Named the organization's new Executive Director in April 2023, Gwen O'Brien brings a wealth of experience and energy to Feed Northland Kids. For years, Gwen has been a tireless champion for the well-being of children and their families in Greater Kansas City. As an experienced leader, social worker, and innovative program developer, Gwen will use her passion for program development, strategic planning, and advocacy to carry the Feed Northland Kids mission forward. Gwen worked for over a decade in child protection services in both Alabama and Missouri before assuming a leadership role at Synergy Services, a non-profit in the Kansas City northland committed to ending family violence. At Synergy, Gwen led the School Based Integrated Services program in Clay, Platte, and Jackson Counties and the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) program serving victims of sexual and physical abuse. She remains active in her community including board roles for both Kansas City Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program (KCSAPP) and Park Hill CAFY. Gwen continues to engage in various community groups including the KC Child Abuse Roundtable and the Park Hill School District CSIP committee. Gwen was also previously an adjunct professor for Park University's Social Work Department. Gwen attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a Master's Degree in Social Work with a concentration in children, youth, and families. Gwen was also a three-time NCAA All-American gymnast at the University of Alabama. Gwen and her husband, Jeremy, have lived in the Northland for twenty years and currently reside in Parkville, MO with their three sons. Gwen looks forward to fighting food insecurity in the community she calls home.
Jean Moore
Jean has been a resident of Gladstone since 1975. She is a former aid to the late Congressman Jerry Litton and late Senator Tom Eagleton. She has served on the board of Directors for the Kansas City Ronald McDonald Houses, including a term as President of the Board. She owns a market research consulting business that has been in operation since 1992. She has served on the Gladstone City Council since 2011, including 3 years as Mayor. Jean has volunteered for 20 years as a Youth Friend in the North Kansas City School District, and is a former member of the Advisory Board for the Kansas City Assistance League.
Brian Hall
Lifetime Northland attorney. Father of two, grandfather of three and supporter of children and children's causes.
Chris Donnelli
Owner of Miller-Donnelli Agency Inc. where he has worked for over 30 years. Is a life-long Platte County resident and active community supporter of a variety of causes. He lives in Platte City with his wife and 3 children. He enjoys Rotary and spending time on the family farm.
Gregory Adams
Gregory Adams C.P.A. serves as the Director of Accounting for Swope Health Services a non for profit Community Health Center. He specializes in financial statement reporting, non for profit tax returns and audit engagements. Greg has also served six board terms for Jackson County CASA. A life-long Northlander, he lives in Kansas City with his wife, Jodi.
Board Members
Michael Atchison
Michael Atchison hosts the show Revival on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, and he has published three books — the novels Mellow Submarine and XL, and True Sons: A Century of Missouri Tigers Basketball. Michael formerly practiced law at a large Kansas City firm, primarily as a commercial litigator. He has long served on boards of many local nonprofit organizations, focusing on issues related to education and poverty. Michael lives in Parkville, Missouri, with his wife and two children.
Derek Espeer
Derek was born and raised in the Northland. After graduating from Oak Park in 1996, he obtained his Business degree from Mizzou in 2001. He currently lives in the Northland with his wife and two children and has run a real estate advising company since 2009.
Darren Hennen
Darren is a Vice President and Office Leader for Olsson, a full-service Engineering firm. Darren is active in a variety of Northland organizations including the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northland Neighborhoods Inc. and Platte County EDC. Darren maintains an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Missouri and an Executive MBA from Rockhurst University. Darren is a U.S. Army Veteran and resides in the Northland.
Maggie Nurrenbern
Maggie is a lifelong resident of Clay County and a graduate of Smithville High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a master’s degree from UMKC. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador and was a teacher at North Kansas City High School before running for office. She represents Gladstone and portions of Kansas City in the Missouri House of Representatives. Maggie lives in Kansas City with her husband Gregg and their three kids.
Michael Short
Michael is an investment banker, community volunteer and board member for several organizations in the Kansas City area. He received his law degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Law School, and was a practicing attorney for many years. As an officer of the Northland Community Foundation, Michael is a founding member of Feed Northland Kids.
Martin Slimmer
Martin Slimmer is responsible for technical support and social media aspects of “Feed Northland Kids”. He is married (living near Liberty, MO), and he has worked for Cerner Corporation for a number of years.