Board of Directors
Chair
Jan Mckenzie
Jan McKenzie is a retired electrical engineer, a Life member of The Ninety-Nines, a Wright Brothers Master Pilot, and the Chair of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Trust. Jan has served many leadership roles in The Ninety-Nines and served as the International President from 2016-2020. In 2019, she was honored to be inducted into the International Forest of Friendship. She flies a turbo Mooney which has ventured to several countries. Jan is passionate about preserving and improving the museum as a monument to the first International President and pathbreaking woman aviator.
Vice Chair
Heidi Grossman
Heidi Grossman is a Mathematics Professor at Benedictine College. She has lived in Atchison for over 10 years, and she is honored to serve Atchison’s hometown hero. Amelia has inspired Americans and pilots around the world. Heidi is happy to share in supporting Amelia’s Museum and legacy for future generations. Heidi encourages people to get involved in supporting the Museum by volunteering, donating, and visiting!
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Secretary
Joan Widener
Joan Widener, a 99s member since 2013, with 600 flight hours. She received flight
training in Wichita, Kansas. Joan flew out of Beech Factory Airport (BEC) as a member of the
Textron Aviation Employee (and family members) Flying Club. She is an educator and enjoys
General Aviation as a hobby. She currently belongs to the Flying Club of KC and flies out of
Johnson County Executive (OJC).
Joan spent part of her college years in Atchison, Kansas and loves that town! Joan is
honored to serve the 99s and the Atchison community on the Board of Trustees AEBM.
Treasurer
Shannon Osborne
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Board Member
Board Member
Emmy Dillon
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Board Member
Board Member
Joyce Parker
Joyce Parker has been a trustee of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (AEBM) Board of Directors since 2024. She has been a member of the Northeast Kansas 99s Chapter since coming to Topeka, KS in 2010, following 25 years of active-duty military service in the United States Air Force.
Joyce started learning to fly airplanes in Washington, D.C. the week before 9/11 (Sep 4, 2001); was awarded her private pilot license in June 2003; and has never looked back. She loves all things airplanes and aviation!
She is honored to be part of the AEBM Board of Trustees and counts it a privilege to have been a key participant in the development of the AEBM Five-Year Strategic Plan, recently approved by the 99s International Board of Directors (IBOD).
Board Member
Mandi Hill
Mandi Hill has served as a board trustee for five years. She comes from a long aviation background as a third-generation pilot. Her father and grandfather were both farmers and aerial applicators. She owns a Cessna 210 and a Piper Super Cub with her FedEx pilot husband. They have two boys who are eagerly preparing to begin their own pilot journeys.
Mandi’s desire for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is for it to be nurtured and cared for, educating others about our aviation history through Amelia’s story and inspiring an interest in aviation for current and future generations.
Board Member
Sherry LeMaster
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Board Member
Board Member
Pat Kearney
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Board Member
Board Member
David Eggers
David is a local resident who has been active on our Board for 4 years. Since his retirement from a rewarding career with global engineering and construction company, Black & Veatch, he has been active on the real estate scene in Atchison. He and his wife, LeeAnn, were drawn to Atchison due to it's exceptional small town charm and pace of life and location of Benedictine College. He has been involved in both new build residential construction and has led the renewal of over half a dozen historic homes in Kansas City and Atchison. He is currently an owner and general manager with a local development company that is redeveloping 5 acres of new 'historic homes' in the heart of old Atchison as a planned residential district. Serving on the Board is a natural fit to guide and assist in the preservation of Amelias birthplace.
Advisor
Ginger Hunninghake
Ginger Hunninghake is lifelong resident of Atchison, Kansas and dedicated to supporting the preservation of local history and culture. She has served as a trustee of the museum board from 2020 to 2024 and continues to contribute her experience as an advisor. Ginger is passionate about community engagement and ensuring the museum remains a vibrant educational resource for future generations.
Growing up in the hometown of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart has always been an inspiration to her. Amelia’s courage, curiosity, and determination reminds her that even from a small town, big dreams can take flight. She tries to carry forward the same adventurous and determined spirit that Amelia Earhart represents for Atchison and the museum.
Ginger retired in 2024 as Marketing Coordinator at Exchange Bank & Trust after 45 years of service. She has served as an Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce chairperson and ambassador, Chairperson for Atchison Crimestoppers, Maur Hill Mount Academy parent club president, Atchison Hospital Auxiliary member and Amelia Earhart Festival chair. ​​
Advisor
Robin Laws
Robin is a Kansas native who served on the AEBM Board of Trustees for five years and currently supports them as an advisor. A pilot by trade and lifelong learner, she is passionate about giving back to the aviation community through this historic home. Having traveled extensively, educating her children in a dynamic way through historical sites, museums, and more, Robin is dedicated to the history of Amelia’s beginnings and the educational opportunities future generations. Robin is also involved with the women’s cross-country Air Race Classic, which began in 1929 with Amelia and other legendary aviatrix, many of the whom went on to found the Ninety-Nines, an organization which Robin is a lifetime member.
Advisor
Margie Arnold
Margie Arnold, Ph.D. joined the AEBM Trustees as an Advisor after joining the Ninety-Nines in 2025. As an Amelia Earhart scholar, Margie is dedicated to honoring and preserving the life and legacy of the pioneering pilot. She gives complimentary talks and actively leads projects designed to keep Amelia Earhart’s story alive. Through these initiatives, she works to highlight Amelia’s important work as an advocate for women’s rights and equality as well as her remarkable contributions to aviation. Margie’s leadership ensures that future generations will continue to remember and be inspired by Amelia Earhart’s enduring legacy.