Business Office

  • Dr. Chad Higgins

    Executive Director
    620-931-2533

    Chad started his educational career as a high school science teacher. He led Douglass High School as principal before serving as superintendent at the Moundridge and Maize school districts. He earned degrees from Emporia State and Fort Hays State universities, his district-level licensure from Friends University, and his doctorate in education from Wichita State University.

  • Deb Haneke

    Chief Financial Officer & Operations Director
    620-931-2543

    Deb joined the ESSDACK staff in 1997. She has filled various roles in her tenure at ESSDACK but has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2014. Prior to moving into the business office, she served as the Director of Professional Learning. Deb received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Fort Hays State University.

  • Nicole Huff

    Director of Human Resources & Payroll
    620-931-2510

    Nicole joined the ESSDACK team in July 2019. She brought with her many years of Kansas school Payroll, Finance, and HR experience. She most likes to think outside the box and ESSDACK is a great medium to do that. When Nicole is not working with ESSDACK staff and customers, she is enjoying time with her family at the lake, traveling, or spending time outdoors.

  • Kathi Keesling

    Board Clerk
    620-931-2524

    Kathi joined ESSDACK in 2002 and currently serves as the Board Clerk as well as an Office Administrative Assistant on the finance team. Kathi also handles all accounts receivables, invoicing, assists with Superintendent Council meetings, coordinates internal processes, and supports many grants and various programs across the organization.

  • Lori Weve

    Treasurer/Business Office
    620-931-2534

    Lori currently serves as the Treasurer/AP for ESSDACK. She has a degree in Business Administration & Accounting and continues to work on obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Awesomeness. She just ran out of money and new brain cells.

    Some of her responsibilities include preparing & executing weekly AP runs, filing sales tax, preparing 1099s, maintaining the Perkins program, and multiple grant programs.

    The favorite part of her position is supporting the health insurance consortium and EAP programs.

  • Kwanna Hoffman

    Office Coordinator
    620-663-9566