Arrowhead West announces retirement & successor
June 16, 2022
Lori Pendergast, President of Arrowhead West, Inc. (AWI) retired on June 30th. Lori served in various executive capacities at AWI, most recently as the organization’s President since 1999. She was a strong pillar that helped make the organization what it is today. We have been privileged to have had her extraordinary leadership during her long career.
"I have been fortunate to work in the field of Developmental Disabilities for the last 40+ years, starting with a state hospital and seeing the field change to one that promotes inclusion in the community. The people we serve, and their families are so appreciative of the individualized services that we provide. There are so many good people that I had the opportunity to work with over the years including co-workers and our board members. Arrowhead West, Inc definitely follows its mission ‘to empower people to live meaningful and productive lives’. The agency is blessed with a strong management team and board. I know I am leaving it in good hands," said Pendergast.
“Lori has demonstrated her solid leadership over the past 40 years in the developmental disabilities field, earning the respect of her colleagues. Serving as the President for over 22 years, she continued to build a strong foundation for the organization. Under her administration, two division buildings, several homes, and duplexes used for client services were constructed. All this while juggling all facets of the organization that serves a 14-county region in an industry that is continually changing.
We will forever be grateful for Lori’s stewardship of the organization and passion for those served by Arrowhead West. We wish her the very best in her retirement,” said Kelly Mason, Arrowhead West Board Chairman.
Pendergast will continue as the President of the Arrowhead West Endowment Association after she retires from Arrowhead West.
The Arrowhead Board of Directors is excited to announce that Mike Stein, Vice President of Administrative Services for AWI, has been selected to become the new President of the organization. Mike joined the AWI management team last fall after serving on the Board of Directors for 26 years. Mike is a long-time resident of Dodge City and has a BA from St. Mary of the Plains College in accounting and mathematics, BA in Pastoral Ministry from Newman University, and a Certified Management Accountant. He worked for Consolidated Communications, Inc. and its predecessors for 32 years in various internal audit, finance, and accounting positions.
“We are confident in the organization’s success as Mike Stein takes over Lori’s position. We anticipate a smooth transition with his previous work experience, knowledge, and 26 years on the Arrowhead West Board of Directors,” said Mason, Board Chairman.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the third president in the 45-year history of Arrowhead West, Inc. I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated Arrowhead West staff members across the agency, with our Board of Directors, and all those in government, other non-profits, our donors, and members of the communities in which our clients live, to continue the legacy of quality services to our clients and their families that Lori and her husband, Don, Arrowhead’s first president, have been so instrumental in building,” said Mike.
Lori Pendergast, President of Arrowhead West, Inc. (AWI) retired on June 30th. Lori served in various executive capacities at AWI, most recently as the organization’s President since 1999. She was a strong pillar that helped make the organization what it is today. We have been privileged to have had her extraordinary leadership during her long career.
"I have been fortunate to work in the field of Developmental Disabilities for the last 40+ years, starting with a state hospital and seeing the field change to one that promotes inclusion in the community. The people we serve, and their families are so appreciative of the individualized services that we provide. There are so many good people that I had the opportunity to work with over the years including co-workers and our board members. Arrowhead West, Inc definitely follows its mission ‘to empower people to live meaningful and productive lives’. The agency is blessed with a strong management team and board. I know I am leaving it in good hands," said Pendergast.
“Lori has demonstrated her solid leadership over the past 40 years in the developmental disabilities field, earning the respect of her colleagues. Serving as the President for over 22 years, she continued to build a strong foundation for the organization. Under her administration, two division buildings, several homes, and duplexes used for client services were constructed. All this while juggling all facets of the organization that serves a 14-county region in an industry that is continually changing.
We will forever be grateful for Lori’s stewardship of the organization and passion for those served by Arrowhead West. We wish her the very best in her retirement,” said Kelly Mason, Arrowhead West Board Chairman.
Pendergast will continue as the President of the Arrowhead West Endowment Association after she retires from Arrowhead West.
The Arrowhead Board of Directors is excited to announce that Mike Stein, Vice President of Administrative Services for AWI, has been selected to become the new President of the organization. Mike joined the AWI management team last fall after serving on the Board of Directors for 26 years. Mike is a long-time resident of Dodge City and has a BA from St. Mary of the Plains College in accounting and mathematics, BA in Pastoral Ministry from Newman University, and a Certified Management Accountant. He worked for Consolidated Communications, Inc. and its predecessors for 32 years in various internal audit, finance, and accounting positions.
“We are confident in the organization’s success as Mike Stein takes over Lori’s position. We anticipate a smooth transition with his previous work experience, knowledge, and 26 years on the Arrowhead West Board of Directors,” said Mason, Board Chairman.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the third president in the 45-year history of Arrowhead West, Inc. I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated Arrowhead West staff members across the agency, with our Board of Directors, and all those in government, other non-profits, our donors, and members of the communities in which our clients live, to continue the legacy of quality services to our clients and their families that Lori and her husband, Don, Arrowhead’s first president, have been so instrumental in building,” said Mike.
Arrowhead West, Inc. is a not-for profit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Offices are located in Dodge City, Medicine Lodge, Pratt, Kinsley, and Wichita Kansas. The agency has touched the lives of nearly 1,000 individuals in the past year and employs over 200 staff members.
Our Mission is to empower people to live meaningful and productive lives.
Our Vision is to Provide outstanding service that leads to making informed choices about:
Independence, Employment, Community Participation and Healthy Lifestyles.
Our Vision is to Provide outstanding service that leads to making informed choices about:
Independence, Employment, Community Participation and Healthy Lifestyles.

CARF Accredited Facility
CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, and Opioid Treatment Programs. (888) 281- 6531.
CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, and Opioid Treatment Programs. (888) 281- 6531.
Locations
Administrative Offices
1100 E Wyatt Earp Blvd
Dodge City, KS, 67801
620-227-8803
Fax - 620-227-8812
Western Kansas Division
231 San Jose
Dodge City, KS 67801
620-225-4061
Fax - 620-227-8812
Central Kansas Division
613 North Ridge Road
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4554
Fax - 316-722-8314
Mid Kansas Division
10315 Bluestem Blvd
Pratt, KS 67124
620-933-2212
Fax - 620-933-2216
500 W Fowler
Medicine Lodge, KS 67104
620-886-3711
Fax - 620-933-2216
Infant-Toddler Services
401 Edgemore
Dodge City, KS 67801
620-225-5177
Fax - 620-227-8812
620 East Second Street
Pratt, KS 67124
620-672-1005
Fax - 620-933-2216