Michelle Ponce is the Associate Director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, where she has served since 2019. The Association represents all 26 licensed Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) in Kansas and provides representation in public policy, coordinates training and education opportunities, and fosters a culture for networking and engagement of thought leaders in Kansas behavioral health. Her education and work experience have focused on public management, with an emphasis on public and nonprofit administration and health and human services. Previously, Michelle served as Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments for over seven years. Prior to that, she served in the Office of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, where she held several positions, including Director of Communications and Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Disability Directors and Oral Health Kansas. Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Emporia State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Wichita State University