When Todd Tangeman first got involved with the Greater Wichita YMCA, he wasn’t just looking for something to do. He saw a need in the community and wanted to help. What started as joining a fundraising team soon became much bigger. That team turned into the Newton Branch Advisory Board, which Todd was asked to lead. From there, his leadership grew to the Greater Wichita YMCA Metro Board. Today, he is the Board Chair, a job he will have through October 2026.
For Todd, being on the Y board isn’t just about meetings or titles. It’s about using his skills to make a difference. “I said yes to the invitations to serve because I saw a chance to use my skills, meet other community leaders, and represent NMC Health in both Newton and Wichita,” he says.
It’s no surprise that Todd felt this connection was so natural. The goals of NMC Health and the YMCA are very similar: both want to improve the health and well-being of the community. “NMC Health has always backed my involvement. It shows how much our organization wants to be part of the community and give back.”
We are deeply appreciative of Todd’s leadership and commitment to the Greater Wichita YMCA,” says Ronn McMahon, CEO and President of Greater Wichita YMCA. “His insight into the community’s healthcare needs and his understanding of the power of collaboration among local organizations have been invaluable in advancing health and wellness initiatives.”
Even though he’s only been Board Chair for a year, Todd feels a strong sense of reward from the friendships he’s building. “Getting to know the other 33 board members—who are successful and impactful leaders in central Kansas—has been such a privilege,” he says.
Todd’s work at NMC Health has helped him in his role at the Y, and he’s learned from both jobs. “My work at NMC Health, where we focus on community service and benefit, translates well to my work on the Y board,” he says. “At the same time, being around other leaders in the region has helped my own leadership style and helped me grow.”
Todd also brings an important viewpoint to the YMCA. While many board members live and work in Wichita, Todd understands what it means to speak for a community outside the big city. This helps him show the needs of places like Newton, El Dorado, Hutchinson, and McPherson as part of a bigger plan for the Y.
At the heart of it all, Todd hopes his leadership makes people and groups feel more connected to each other. “I hope that my leadership has a good effect on being connected and having good relationships,” he says.
Serving on the Y board isn’t just about giving back for Todd. It’s about inspiring others to do the same. His message is simple: “I highly urge others to get involved in community groups they care about. Giving of yourself in this way makes a person’s view of the community, and even our world, bigger. The time spent with others is special, and the chances to learn and grow are priceless.”
Leadership isn’t just about how much time you have; it’s about what you do with it. By sharing his skills, his energy, and his heart, Todd is not only helping the YMCA but also showing NMC Health’s promise to be a true partner in the community.
