Barry Kaaz

Executive Director

It is truly a pleasure to have assumed the responsibilities as Executive Director of the Thomas County Community Foundation. I have been able to enjoy most of my working life in northwest Kansas and my wife and I love it here!

In 2013, I retired as Dean of External Affairs for Colby Community College. During that period, I also taught leadership, wind energy systems and was the director of the Alternative Energy Program. Prior to working at CCC, I was an engineer/manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone.

Fifteen of the 23 years I worked for SW Bell, I served as an engineer officer in the Untied States Marine Corps stationed in the United States, Okinawa and Japan. I have a B.S. degree in construction science and management from Kansas State University and a Master degree from Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. I enjoy the outdoors immensely through hunting, fishing and taxidermy. My wife of 42 years, Dianne, and I have two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren all living out here.

Shirley Weber

Executive Assistant

Shirley Weber joined the Thomas County Community Foundation's team in May 2019. She and her husband Omar have two grown children, Adam and Kayla, and three grandsons.

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Shirley and Omar live in Colby, where Omar is the Public Works Director for the City of Colby. Shirley enjoys spending time in Manhattan going to football games, shopping and spending time with their family. 

"I'm thrilled with the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity. I'm learning new things every day and loving it! I really feel like I'm a part of the team that's working towards supporting and making our community better."

- Shirley