Leadership

Named the organization's new Executive Director in April 2023, Gwen O'Brien brings a wealth of experience and energy to Feed Northland Kids.  Gwen brings over 20 years of non-profit and child-welfare experience to the role.  She remains active in her community including board roles for both Kansas City Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program (KCSAPP) and Park Hill CAFY.   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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Lifetime Northland attorney. Father of two, grandfather of three and supporter of children and children's causes.

Kansas City lifetime resident and a Northland resident since 1974.  University of Missouri graduate.  Real estate professional since 1978. Growth from sales agent to broker/manager to owning a RE/MAX franchise from 1990-2021. Past President of the Kansas City Regional Assn. of Realtors, RE/MAX Missouri and International Broker of the Year, and Kansas City Regional Assn. of Realtors Broker of the Year. Established a Housing Opportunity Program to help the less fortunate identify loan programs enabling them to purchase homes, and through home ownership, develop more stability and deeper roots for their families in their chosen communities. This program has since been modeled in other cities across the USA.  Active member of the KCI Rotary.

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 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 handles the behind-the-scenes work with our social media presence and assists with the website as needed. Married and living just east of Gladstone, Martin works for Oracle Cerner and has volunteered with Feed Northland Kids since close to its inception.

Leah Winders is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), receiving her master's degree in Social Work from UMKC in 2017. Leah began her career as a school social worker, most recently in the Park Hill School District. Seven years later, after recognizing the growing need for mental health care for both students and their families, Leah chose to open her own mental health practice in the Northland. A lifelong Northlander, Leah lives in Pleasant Valley with her husband Andrew.