Kansas Leadership Center's Dioane Gates to Lead Interactive Leadership Symposium at 2026 KACD Annual Convention
The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) is pleased to announce Dioane Gates, leadership practitioner and teacher with the Kansas Leadership Center, as a featured presenter during the Tuesday Symposium at the 2026 KACD Annual Convention, November 22–24 in Wichita, Kansas.
Gates will lead the second portion of Tuesday's symposium with his presentation, “Dear Abby, Our District Is Stuck… Moving Beyond Barriers to Progress.” The interactive session will focus on helping conservation district leaders identify common challenges, navigate obstacles, and work together to create meaningful progress within their organizations.
Conservation districts play an essential role in protecting natural resources, supporting landowners, and serving their communities. However, like many organizations, districts can encounter challenges that make it difficult to implement new ideas, strengthen leadership, or adapt to changing needs.
During his presentation, Gates will engage attendees in discussions designed to help them better understand the barriers that may be holding their districts back and explore practical approaches for moving forward together.
The session will also feature fictional scenarios reflecting situations conservation districts may encounter. Through these examples, participants will have opportunities to examine different perspectives, discuss potential responses, and consider how collaborative leadership can help their districts address difficult situations more effectively.
Rather than simply presenting solutions, Gates will encourage participants to think critically about the challenges they face, recognize opportunities for progress, and strengthen their ability to work together toward shared goals.
A Diverse Background in Leadership and Community Engagement
Gates is an encouraging, pioneering, and entrepreneurial leadership practitioner who teaches with the Kansas Leadership Center. His professional experience includes 18 years in law enforcement, 24 years in ministry leadership, and more than 14 years as a small business owner.
This diverse background has equipped him with a versatile skill set and an ability to connect thoughtfully with audiences from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds.
A lifelong resident of Wichita, Gates has also been actively involved in community service and leadership. He previously served on the boards of the Alzheimer's Association in Central and Western Kansas, The Create Campaign, and HumanKind Ministries.
Gates earned his bachelor's degree in business in 2008 after taking what he describes as the "scenic route" through higher education. He remains passionate about learning, teaching, and practicing leadership, drawing inspiration from both his professional experiences and his family.
He and his wife, Heather, have three children: Isaiah, Elijah, and Malone. Outside of his leadership work, Gates enjoys good espresso and enthusiastically cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.
Strengthening Conservation District Leadership for the Future
Gates' presentation supports the theme of the 2026 KACD Annual Convention, “Founded in Dust: Leadership Growing a Stronger Future.”
The convention theme recognizes the history of conservation districts, established in response to the devastating environmental conditions of the Dust Bowl era, while emphasizing the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in addressing today's conservation challenges.
As conservation districts continue to evolve, effective leadership and the ability to work through organizational challenges will remain essential to their long-term success.
Gates' interactive symposium will provide an opportunity for district supervisors, staff, and conservation partners to exchange ideas, reflect on shared challenges, and consider new approaches to strengthening their organizations.
Join Us at the 2026 KACD Annual Convention
The 2026 Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Annual Convention will take place November 22–24, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.
The annual gathering brings together conservation district supervisors, employees, conservation professionals, and partners from across the state for educational sessions, networking, and discussions focused on advancing conservation efforts throughout Kansas.
Gates will present during the second portion of the Tuesday Symposium on November 24, 2026.
For additional information about the convention, including registration and event details, visit kacd.net.
About the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts
The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts supports Kansas conservation districts in their efforts to conserve and protect the state's natural resources. Through education, advocacy, partnerships, and leadership development, KACD works to strengthen locally led conservation and promote responsible stewardship of Kansas land and water resources.