The Flint Hills Community Accelerator Welcomes Rhianna Nelson as Director
Manhattan, Kansas — August 14, 2026 — The Flint Hills Community Accelerator (FHCA) has named Rhianna Nelson as its new Director. Nelson will begin her role in September 1, 2026, providing strategic and operational leadership as the organization continues its work to address critical needs throughout the region.
The Flint Hills Community Accelerator was established through a collaborative effort led by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. The FHCA serves as a community hub focused on increasing local childcare capacity, developing workforce skills, connecting qualified employees with local employers, and improving connections between healthcare providers and underserved populations.
Nelson brings more than 10 years of experience in early childhood development, youth development and educational leadership, with a background in program administration, community engagement, relationship management, budgeting, policy development and staff leadership.
Most recently, Nelson has served as Early Childhood Program Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor at Manhattan Area Technical College, where she provides leadership for the Early Childhood Education program and works with community partners and employers to strengthen workforce connections. She has also served as Community Outreach & Engagement Manager for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, working with communities, business and civic leaders, stakeholders and childcare providers on childcare capacity-building efforts. Previously, Nelson spent five years as Program Director/Administrator at Manhattan Catholic Schools.
“Rhianna brings a great combination of experience, leadership and strong community relationships to this role. She understands the challenges facing childcare providers and families and has a proven ability to bring people together around solutions," said Vern Henricks, President & CEO of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. "We’re excited to have her leadership as the Flint Hills Community Accelerator continues to grow and strengthen its impact in our community.”
As Director, Nelson will lead FHCA's strategic planning, fundraising and resource development, financial stewardship, facility management, board support and community partnerships. She will also provide strategic alignment and personnel accountability for the Childcare Business Initiative (CBI), a primary initiative operating in close partnership with FHCA.
Nelson holds a Master of Arts in Family and Community Services from Kansas State University, with a minor in Youth Development and professional certification in Human Service Administration. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with an emphasis in Child Development from Fort Hays State University and a Preschool Education Certificate from Barton County Community College.
"I am excited to join the Flint Hills Community Accelerator and build upon the partnerships already working to address important needs in our community," said Rhianna Nelson, Director of the Flint Hills Community Accelerator. "I look forward to working alongside the board, staff and community partners to strengthen childcare, workforce development and access to resources throughout the region."
FHCA works alongside partners including the Childcare Business Initiative, Manhattan Area Technical College, Kansas Workforce One, Manhattan Free Clinic, Ascension Via Christi, local employers, government agencies and philanthropic organizations. The Accelerator is located at 2423 Kimball Avenue in Manhattan on land provided and owned by Ascension Via Christi.