TOPEKA, Kan. (WBW) – Four business leaders have been inducted into the 2023 Topeka Business Hall of Fame and are being recognized for their contributions and dedication to their companies and communities.
The four honorees were announced Tuesday, Sept. 13, at a brunch at the Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan St.
- Dan Foltz: KBS Developers, Inc.
- Marsha Sheehan: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
- DL Smith: DL Smith Electrical Construction
- Keith Warta: Bartlett & West
Dan Foltz
Dan Foltz was born and raised on a farm near Garnett, Kansas and grew up working for KBS Constructors, Inc. He is the CEO.
Based in Kansas, Jr. Success, KBS is a Midwest commercial and industrial construction company that focuses on assisting mission-critical and sensitive environmental projects with management services and construction.
Foltz serves on several economic boards, including as a member of the GO Topeka Economic Development Board and former chair of the Innovation Advisory Board.
He is currently a board member, trustee, and finance committee member of the Washburn University Foundation, as well as a member of the Washburn MBA (Master of Business Administration) School of Business Advisory Council.
Folz currently serves on the board of the Topeka Country Club.
He previously served as Chairman of the Midland Care Board.
Dan Foltz, unfortunately, couldn’t make it to Tuesday’s announcement.
Marsha Sheehan
Marsha Sheehan, a Kansas junior, said he served as vice president of public relations for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce for more than 35 years. From July 1979 to January 2015
As vice president, she oversaw the Topeka Chamber’s marketing, publications, website development and special events, along with many other administrative duties.
Sheehan retired in January 2015 but returned to the organization in 2016 to lead the Greater Topeka program, a position she has led since its inception in 1984. After her retirement, she helped nonprofit organizations with networking, leadership skills, strategy. Planning, and board.
As a Kansas Junior Achievement, Sheehan championed the chamber’s youth professional program, Fast Forward (now called Forge), and served on Heartland Vision’s governance and steering committees from 2008 to 2015.
Sheehan teamed up with colleagues from the Junior League of Topeka to create the Topeka Community Foundation. Shay served as the first chairman of the board for two years.
Sheehan has been involved in many organizations, including the Junior League of Topeka, Topeka Community Foundation, Topeka High School Historical Society, United Way of Greater Topeka, Women United, Safe Streets, Topeka Public Schools, CASA of Shawnee County, Stormont Vail HealthCare. Community Advisory Council, Washburn Leadership Institute Advisory Council and YWCA.
DL Smith
After DL Smith attended Hayden High School, Washburn University and Kansas State University, Smith founded the company DL Smith Electrical Construction in 1972.
Smith became an active member in the electrical industry, joining the Kansas chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association as president, governor and a member of its bargaining committee and practice committee.
Under the national organization, Smith has served as District V (5) Vice President, National Government Affairs Committee Chair, National Joint Practice Member, Training Committee Member, as well as NECA’s National Political Leadership Council.
Smith in 2010 In 1997, he received the Society’s Comstock Award for Contribution to the Field, and in 2000 the James A. McGraw received the Electric Industry Development Award.
Smith served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Associated Specialty Contractors of America and served as Chairman from 2000 to 2001, a member of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas, and a member of the Kansas State University AGC Construction Science Advisory Board.
Smith regularly volunteers at Christ the King Catholic Church.
Keith news
Keith Warta has served Bartlett & West in various positions for over 13 years, including the role of CEO and currently serves as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Bartlett & West Inc. is an engineering, architecture, technology and construction company that seeks to positively impact every position and organization in the community.
Warta mainly focuses on the design and management of transport and flood control projects using his expertise in hydrology and hydraulics in urban infrastructure. As a graduate student, Warta examined design storm surge estimates and their impact on flood control system costs.
The Kansas Junior Success Story typically volunteers for leadership positions in organizations that research community economic development, education and higher services. He also created and implemented Topeka/Shawnee County’s first comprehensive community strategic plan and chaired the Midland Care Board of Directors during the initial merger of Meals-on-Wheels for Midland Senior Services, serving as co-chair committees.
“It’s an honor because it comes from Junior Achievement, which is a tremendous organization in our community,” Warta said. “It’s an honor because of the people in the room.”
A dinner to honor each of the awardees is scheduled for March 23, 2023 at the Manor Conference Center in Hotel Topoka City Center.
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