17 May Leadership Kansas Names 2025 Alumnus of the Year

Topeka, KAN. – Leadership Kansas announced on April 25 that Paula Landoll-Smith, Leadership Kansas Class of 2009, has been named the 2025 Alumnus of the Year.

“Landoll-Smith exemplifies the values of Leadership Kansas through her dedication to civic engagement, business excellence, and mentorship,” said Aaron Miller, Executive Director of Leadership Kansas. “Her leadership and commitment to serving her community make her an outstanding choice for this year’s honor. On behalf of more than 1,600 LK alumni, I congratulate Landoll-Smith and thank her for continuing to represent the spirit of Leadership Kansas.”

Named in honor of Leadership Kansas’s first executive director, Jim Edwards, the Alumnus of the Year award recognizes an individual whose leadership strengthens their community, upholds the mission of Leadership Kansas, and brings distinction to the program through their personal and professional achievements.

A lifelong Kansan and proud graduate of Kansas State University, Landoll-Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource and General Management. She is a 2009 Leadership Kansas graduate and also a graduate of the Eisenhower Series, KARL, and CLER leadership programs.

She has served extensively at the local and state level. Her current service includes leadership roles with the Kansas State Fair Board (Immediate Past Chair), The Kansas Chamber Executive Board, JAG-K (Vice President), the Stormont Vail Foundation Board, and the Eisenhower Series (Past Chair, Current Vice President). Locally, she is active with Rotary (Assistant Governor), Leadership Marshall County (Founder and Chair), Kiwanis, the Marysville GOP, and several committees at St. Gregory Catholic Church.

She previously served as President of the Marysville Chamber of Commerce, Marysville Main Street, St. Gregory’s PTO, and the Kansas Historical Society Foundation.

A passionate advocate for youth engagement, Landoll-Smith mentors students and encourages active participation in their communities. “Although some jobs may seem tough or of little importance, you never know where a volunteer role or not-so-pleasant task may lead. You never know who is watching or who you are helping,” she often says.

The announcement was made at the annual Leadership Kansas Grand Reception and Alumni Summit in Wichita on April 25th.

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For more information, contact Amy Billquist at AmyB@KansasChamber.org.