Professional Progress Award

Kim Bartak is a 2006 K-State graduate with bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering. She also holds an MBA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Bartak serves as a corporate change manager at Burns & McDonnell, leading enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, strengthen collaboration and position the firm to deliver integrated, future-ready business systems that will support long-term growth and innovation. Previously, Bartak served as a people manager and project manager at 1898 & Co., where she led teams and consulting efforts for utility and technology clients across the U.S. Bartak began her career at Honeywell FM&T, where she gained foundational experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality and leadership. She is passionate about mentoring others and helping teams navigate and embrace change. An active volunteer, she supports organizations such as the United Way, MathCounts, the Society of Women Engineers, and Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she has held multiple leadership roles. She recently earned a Women in Leadership Certificate from the University of California, Riverside and is a lifelong fan of K-State sports.

Jason Humphrey is a 2008 K-State graduate with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering with the nuclear option. He also holds an MBA from Baker University. Humphrey began his career as a power plant engineer for Evergy, a Midwest electrical utility at the Lawrence Energy Center in Lawrence, Kansas, before moving into leadership roles. He has lived in Kansas City, Emporia, Wichita and Topeka, all with Evergy and its predecessor companies. Over the years, he has held several positions including plant manager, regional director of power plants, and corporate roles including assistant treasurer for Evergy. In 2023, Jason became the vice president, development for Evergy, focused on building renewable and conventional power plants to support Evergy’s 1.7 million customers in the eastern third of Kansas and Western third of Missouri. He is on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka and is a previous board member of the Downtown Topeka Foundation. Jason and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters – Quinn and Piper.

Chris Kearney is a 2005 K-State graduate with a bachelor’s in architectural engineering. After graduation, Kearney moved to Florida and began working at GRG, now EXP, a global engineering, design and consulting firm. Kearney leads EXP’s hospitality practice, bringing more than 20 years of experience working for some of the world’s most recognizable hospitality and casino industry clients. Along with complex building design, Kearney has a passion for sustainability. He is a recognized thought leader who provides sustainable design and construction solutions that have led to more efficient buildings. Kearney returns to K-State every year to recruit in the architectural engineering department and previously served on the department’s advisory council. Kearney and his wife, Christy, have three kids – Ian, Aiden and Isabella.

Mark Neier is a 2009 K-State graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s in industrial engineering. He currently serves as the global operate technology asset senior manager for Deloitte, responsible for standing up and managing new technology assets and solutions within the operate business across more than 150 countries and territories. Previously, he served as the associate vice president of assets and products for the U.S supply chain and network operations offering. Additionally, Neier helped set up Deloitte’s digital supply networks business and has guided numerous industrial products and aerospace and defense companies through their supply chain transformation journeys. Neier is passionate about giving back and staying connected to K-State. He served two terms on the industrial engineering advisory council and has recruited more than 40 engineers from K-State through his role as the K-State campus recruiting lead for Deloitte Consulting. Neier and his wife, Kinley have two children – Olivia and Andrew.

Renee Roesser is a 2006 and 2009 K-State graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s in electrical engineering. She began her career with the National Security Agency (NSA) as an intern in 2005 before joining the agency full-time in 2006, where she held a series of progressively responsible roles in design, construction, and operations and maintenance. Her assignments spanned multiple locations in Fort Meade, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Antonio. In 2022, Roesser transitioned from federal service to the private sector, assuming the role of datacenter operations manager at Microsoft. In this capacity, she leads the critical environment and IT operations for two datacenters, ensuring operational excellence, reliability and compliance. In recognition of her impact, she was selected to participate in Microsoft’s Advanced Leadership Program in 2024. Roesser remains actively engaged with her alma mater. She currently serves as the K-State alumni coordinator for the San Antonio chapter, continuing her commitment to alumni outreach. She and her husband, Saunders, have two sons – Corbin and Bodie.

Travis Rogers is a 2006 K-State graduate with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. He serves as production manager for Ras Laffan Petrochemicals at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, leading operations for a $6 billion world-scale site scheduled to start up in early 2027, including the Middle East’s largest ethane cracker and two of the world’s largest polyethylene reactors. Since beginning his career with Chevron Phillips Chemical in 2006, Rogers has held progressive leadership roles across the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Qatar. His experience spans process engineering, operations management and process safety, including oversight of risk management programs for the company. Rogers has played a pivotal role in successful commercialization of advanced polymer technologies and the safe ramp-up of complex manufacturing assets. A dedicated mentor and advocate for operational excellence, Rogers is recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of safety and innovation. He and his wife, Jeanette, have three children – Lucy, Elizabeth and Maxwell.

Hale Sloan is a 2010 graduate with bachelor's and master's degrees in biological and agricultural engineering. He completed a portion of his graduate studies in France at École d'ingénieurs de Purpan, thanks to an international educational cooperative with K-State. Sloan began his engineering career in the Austin, Texas, metro area. In 2017, he moved to Kansas and founded Sloan Engineering and Consulting in Hays, Kansas. His firm provides civil engineering design and consulting services across Kansas and is currently expanding to provide construction materials testing. Sloan is a licensed professional engineer in Kansas and Texas. Alongside his professional work, he is an active community volunteer and leader. His service includes the Hays Noon Rotary Club — where he was past president and received the Outstanding Club Service Award — board service with the Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C, Western Cooperative Electric, and the Methodist church in Hays. He also co-founded and currently serves as president of a nonprofit foundation supporting the Kansas State University Rugby Club. Sloan and his wife, Jenna, are raising their three children in Hays. When he’s not at his firm or volunteering, he enjoys farming and ranching with his family.

Ryan Summerskill is a 2008 K-State graduate with a bachelor's in computer science. He currently serves as senior global director of products at Veritas Prime, a primer technology and professional services company with a focus on payroll and human capital management services. Based in Shawnee, he leads a global business unit consisting of engineers, designers and products management. Summerskill started his career working for a small Manhattan-based construction tech company, Surface Systems and Instruments. Quickly upon graduation, he took a role at Garmin as a software engineer. After eight years at Garmin, he took the leap on a new startup, Veritas Prime, with the goal of building out a full software development organization from scratch. Currently he is managing a global team across the USA, India, Peru and Argentina. Summerskill has remained connected to K-State over the years, serving on the computer science department's advisory board since 2015, and volunteers as a senior officer with the Civil Air Patrol. He and his wife, Abby, have two children – Amelia and Zander.

Nichole Waring is a 2005 K-State graduate with a bachelor's in construction science and management. Waring is a senior project manager and proud employee-owner at McCownGordon Construction. Throughout her career, she has overseen a diverse portfolio — from new builds to renovations — including libraries, museums, aquatic centers, nonprofit facilities, corporate offices and data centers. Waring leads high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results, managing complex projects with precision. Her leadership has driven award-winning work recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Kansas City Business Journal and the Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City. Twice nominated for Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Kansas City, Waring is instrumental in securing some of Kansas City’s most impactful projects for the company. A Leadership Overland Park graduate, Waring and her husband reside in Overland Park and have three kids. Outside of work she remains community focused, including volunteering her time with organizations like Operation Breakthrough, Harvesters, Ronald McDonald House and Resurrection, a United Methodist Church.

Allyson Wetter is a 2009 K-State graduate with a bachelor's in civil engineering. She currently serves as the senior director of safety and performance management for Evergy, an electric utility serving 1.7 million customers. She leads the teams responsible for safety and training, the vehicle and equipment fleet, and facilities construction, operations and maintenance. Wetter began her career at Evergy 18 years ago as an environmental intern and substation civil engineer. Wetter is passionate about the vitality and well-being of local communities and neighbors – enabled by reliable electricity. Her many operations and leadership roles have been directly involved in or in support of the planning and construction of the electric grid and storm restoration efforts. Wetter enjoys volunteering at events aimed to engage children in STEM careers and serves on the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross board of directors. She is a licensed professional engineer in Kansas. Allyson and her husband, Daryl, have two children – Perry and Ryland.