The REACH Healthcare Foundation is proud to announce the election of three exceptional new members for 2025. These individuals bring deep expertise in healthcare delivery, community development, and public administration. They join the organization as we recognize outgoing trustees Lynette Sparkman-Barnes, Kathy Wolfe Moore, and Kevin Klamm for their dedicated service. Together, these transitions reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to strong, forward-looking leadership.
Amy Williams is a seasoned surgical director with a strong track record in healthcare operations. As regional executive director of surgical services for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Williams oversees multiple departments, including the pre-surgery clinic, ambulatory care center, surgery, post-anesthesia care unit, sterile processing, endoscopy, two pain clinics, and AdventHealth’s two ambulatory surgery centers. Providing care in the Kansas City area has long been a passion of hers, reflected in her 23 years of service as a nurse in the metropolitan area. Her extensive knowledge of clinical systems, patient-centered care, and operational leadership, combined with her deep community ties, makes her well-positioned to offer valuable insights to the board’s efforts to promote equitable and effective healthcare in the region.
Joe Waters brings a wealth of experience in public administration, infrastructure, and operations, honed through his roles as assistant county manager in Johnson County, Kansas, for 10 years, and 20 years as director of facilities. An architecture graduate of the University of Kansas, he also has a decade of private-sector executive experience in consulting and facilities management nationwide. While retired from his role as assistant county manager, Waters teaches part-time at the University of Kansas Public Management Center and serves as president of the Arts Council of Johnson County. He has served on numerous community boards, including the Sunflower House Child Abuse Prevention Center, the Olathe Economic Development Corporation, and the Mid-America Regional Council, among others. Water’s background in both government services and community development brings valuable insights to the board’s work in advancing policies and partnerships that support healthier, more resilient communities.
Marisa Martinez is a recognized leader in community health engagement. As a Community Health Advisor, she engages with community stakeholders to share insights that support the needs of low- to moderate-income and underserved communities across western Missouri, Kansas, and the Kansas City metro area. Martinez’s work is rooted in building authentic partnerships that value financial empowerment and the positive effects that it has on personal and community growth. Previously, she served as the senior vice president of community development at a large financial institution, leading a team that provided access to banking products and services to underserved communities. As a second-generation Mexican American, Martinez is a first-generation college graduate, having earned her degree in social psychology and nonprofit leadership, as well as a postgraduate degree in public administration. She also serves on the board of Mattie Rhodes and as Chair of the Culture, Arts, and Events Committee.
Each year, through a rigorous selection process guided by its Nominating Committee, the foundation elects board members whose expertise aligns with its mission to advance health equity through coverage and care for underserved people in the Kansas and Missouri regions.
“REACH places a high priority on recruiting new trustees who embody our commitment to bringing diverse, mission-driven voices to the table,” said Brenda Sharpe, president and CEO of REACH. “Amy’s healthcare leadership, Joe’s public administration background, and Marisa’s community development experience will help REACH continue to innovate the ways we advance health equity and drive improved health outcomes across our six-county region.”
The foundation extends deep gratitude to our outgoing board members, Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes, Kathy Wolfe Moore, and Kevin Klamm, for their years of service and meaningful contributions to our mission. Their leadership helped guide REACH through the pandemic, bring greater clarity and focus to our equity-centered programs and initiatives, advocate for Medicaid expansion, and responsibly steward our financial resources.
To learn more about the 2025 Board of Directors, please visit our Board and Leadership page. Stay informed about REACH’s community investments, events, and member news by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
