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Newton Rotary Club had Steve Coen from the Kansas Health Foundation speak at their meeting on Tuesday June 4th.   Steve Coen has served as president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation since August 2008.  Since joining the Foundation in 1987, Coen has held a number of different positions, including director of public affairs, senior program officer and vice president for administration.\

 

Before coming to the Foundation, Coen served as a legislative assistant to Sen. Bob Dole in Washington, D.C. and as state director of his four Kansas offices. In addition to his professional experiences, Coen served as chair of the Governor’s Council on Fitness, and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition.  Coen’s idea to develop a physically-active, healthy lifestyle course for high school students earned him a national award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). He also received the 21 st Century Community Champion Award, given by the American Association of Family and Consumer Science to individuals who have made a significant contribution toward strengthening families.

 

Coen completed his undergraduate work at Emporia State University and later earned a law degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.

 

The Kansas Health Foundation is a benevolent organization that funds close to $ 2 million in Recognition grants to around 100 recipients each year.   They are also funding several other health related issues including efforts to make people aware of the dangers of second hand smoke, the importance of good nutrition, promoting healthy behaviors, growing community philanthropy, and building civic leadership.  Steve will talk about several of these programs and the work of the foundation.