KHI Promotes Three Staff Members

Three individuals elevated for excellence in research, leadership and innovation

2 Min Read

Jan 03, 2024

Emma Uridge, Cynthia Snyder, Kaci Cink

The Kansas Health Institute is proud to announce the promotion of three staff members who have played important roles in furthering research and information surrounding health policy in Kansas.

Cynthia Snyder, M.A., has been promoted to senior analyst from analyst. She’ll continue to build on her research interest in health workforce, while furthering KHI’s focus on a wide range of health policy research topics, such as health coverage.

“Cynthia has done outstanding work toward helping policymakers and others better understand the impact of workforce shortages as they relate to the health and well-being of residents,” said Kari Bruffett, KHI President and CEO. “She also has played an integral role in the facilitation of conversations on topics such as immunizations.”

KHI Strategy Team Leader Linda Sheppard also commented on Snyder’s promotion.

“Cynthia has a strong work ethic. She’s a professional, has a positive attitude and has consistently shown the ability to ‘roll with the punches’ with grace and good humor.”

Additional promotions include Kaci Cink, M.P.H., and Emma Uridge, C.H.E.S. They were previously serving KHI as research assistants but are now analysts.

“Kaci plays a critical role in our research operation, particularly for quantitative research,” said Wen-Chieh Lin, KHI Research Director. “She has established her technical expertise, expanded knowledge in data sources, developed analysis plans for projects, been involved in conceptualizing projects and become familiar with several topic areas.”

Cink recently completed her master’s degree in public health while maintaining full-time employment at KHI. She’ll continue to work on interactive data mapping to help residents better understand local health impacts of policy decisions.

Uridge is also being recognized for her hard work and dedication to further KHI’s mission. Her supervisor is excited for Uridge’s promotion.

“Emma has a genuine enthusiasm for the goal and mission of KHI and a curious mind, which makes her open to take on new tasks and challenges,” said Sheppard.

Uridge has an interest in studying Kansas’ aging population. She has had a role in several complex proposals and demonstrated leadership in wind energy research that has led to a national partnership. She’s also serving as a field producer and coordinator for KHI’s new podcast, Health on the Plains.

KHI staff members have a wide range of expertise on health-related topics. Learn more about their areas of focus.

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

Learn More About KHI