Ambassador of Month: Mike Penner

The Mid-America LGBT Chamber's Ambassadors Program recognizes Mike Penner as May's Ambassador of the Month

Kansas City, Missouri | Monday May 3, 2021 – The Ambassadors for the Mid-America LGBT Chamber are proud to recognize Mike Penner as May’s Ambassador of the month. Mike has been an asset to the Ambassadors by not only referring new members and gaining knowledge of Chamber resources but also assisting in the planning of the Ambassador Quarterly Meetings. Mike is a consistent volunteer and goes above and beyond the expectation by attending monthly B2B’s and Coffee Connections events.

About Mike

Mike currently serves as the Director of Professional Services for the Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Divisions at Children’s Mercy Hospital. He provides financial, academic, personnel management, service excellence, and strategic operations leadership and direction for his division.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Emporia State and a Master’s degree in Counseling & Educational Psychology with an emphasis in personnel administration from Kansas State University. Mike retired from the military, serving in the US Marine Corps Reserves and Kansas Air National Guard for a combined 23 years of service.

He previously served as the Chair of the Children’s Mercy Equity and Diversity Council, and currently serves on the Veteran’s Day Recognition Program planning committee.

Q&A with Mike

Why did you join the chamber or get involved if your organization was already a member?
A former Children’s Mercy physician and leader Daryl Lynch invited me to attend a Chamber B2B event at one of the Casinos many years ago. From that time I was hooked on the Chamber and have been attending events and ever since. That has been 7 or 8 years ago!

Why did you join the ambassador program?
I joined the Ambassador Program because I was so impressed with the great work and programs the Chamber was doing that I wanted to get more involved. The Ambassador Program was a great way for me to do so! I think that I’ve been an ambassador for close to 5 years now. It has been so rewarding, both professionally and personally.

What advice do you have to someone that is curious about getting involved with the Ambassadors or the Chamber?
I would strongly encourage others to get involved with the Chamber. I find the people to be so warm and welcoming. I am especially impressed by the Chamber’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion. I truly believe that there is a place for everyone within the Chamber.

What benefits have you received from being an ambassador (networking/friends/experiences/leads for work, etc.)?
The most meaningful benefit I have received from being an ambassador is that I have met so many fantastic people with whom I would not have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. I especially appreciate the opportunity to visit the many businesses and venues through the B2B and other Chamber events. We’ve had Chamber events at some fantastic locations over the years. I’m especially reminded of the event at the Power & Light Building. I got to go to the top of the building and see the Kansas City skyline at dusk. It was beautiful! I’ve also reaped the benefit of using the services of Chamber members/businesses, both personally and professionally. I’ve referred numerous friends to Chamber member businesses and services over the years. It has been a totally rewarding experience!

About the Chamber

The Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and exists to advocate, promote and facilitate the success of the LGBT business community and their allies through the guiding principles of equality, inclusion, economics and education. Through membership, networking, and professional development programming, the Chamber seeks to foster a more inclusive and vibrant economy in Kansas City and the surrounding region.