Proud to Be Part of the Best Class Ever: Leadership Greater Topeka 2026

TK Magazine Article

I am honored to have recently been featured in a local Topeka publication, TK Magazine. Along with 35 other community leaders, I am participating in the Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) class. The program began in January, and we are now approaching graduation in May. We proudly call ourselves the Best Class Ever, and I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many incredible people throughout this experience. Being surrounded by engaged leaders in our community and the outstanding 2026 class has been both inspiring and rewarding.

Posing in December After
Being Notified I am part 
of LGT 2026 Class

Back in December, I shared a post about being surprised by an LGT alum with the news of my selection. Classes officially started in the second week of January and have been held every other week since then. Gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how our city operates, from neighborhoods and city government to technical and operational areas, has made this an incredibly valuable experience. It has been a privilege to participate in a program that offers such a comprehensive view of Topeka.

The connections formed through this class, both with my fellow members of the 2026 LGT cohort and with graduates from past years, have been fantastic. Building relationships with leaders across the city has been one of the most meaningful aspects of the program. We have three class days remaining, followed by graduation on the final day.

I am already thinking about people I would like to nominate for the program next year. Prior to being selected, I had not really been familiar with Leadership Greater Topeka until my father-in-law, Eddie, nominated me in 2025. He reached out to see if I would be open to being nominated, knowing it would require approval from work due to the time commitment. I am incredibly grateful that he did, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of Leadership Greater Topeka.

If you would like to read more about me, you can visit https://tkmagazine.com/blog/2026/3/7/john-haverty-lgt-class-of-2026. To learn more about the entire 2026 Leadership Greater Topeka class, including all class members, you can visit https://tkmagazine.com/blog/2026/3/3/leadership-greater-topeka-class-of-2026.

Carrie’s Birthday Weekend and Easter Reflections

Happy Easter to all!

We spent the weekend in Kansas City to celebrate Carrie’s birthday. She wanted to get away, so we stayed at our favorite hotel in Kansas City, the InterContinental on the Plaza. We arrived Friday evening and have had a wonderful time. We did a little shopping, but mostly focused on relaxing around the hotel. We brought Oliver with us, and he has been enjoying the many walks we have taken.

On Sunday morning, Easter morning, we are headed to Lawrence to spend the afternoon with Mom. We picked up a dessert from Costco for everyone to enjoy. Everyone will be there except the Browns. Carrie and I keep talking about making a trip to Wichita to see them. We need to get that planned and just do it one weekend.

I am looking forward to spending the afternoon in Lawrence. Tim will be bringing his Bloody Marys for all to enjoy. I am sure I will overeat with all the Easter food. It will be good to see everyone, and we will miss our sister, Jen, who is in Wichita.

May each of you have a fantastic Easter. Have a great week, and know that spring is happening, with trees starting to bloom.