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HAJAS 2026 Board Members

Revised December 2025


President  

Meghan May 



1st Vice-President

Kris Leverette

2nd Vice-President 

Andrea Thimesch



Secretary

Eri Keithley


Treasurer

Mark Saito


Director

Lorna Blasche


Director

Jordyn Johnson


Director

Natsuko Nishimune

Director

Neil Segal



To contact any member of the HAJAS Board, please email:  hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com


The Heart of America Japan-America Society was founded in May of 1962. 

Our mission is to further understanding between the peoples of Japan and the Greater Kansas City area by promoting social, cultural and educational exchanges. It is a non-profit, non-political 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. This JAS has no paid staff. All of the work of the Society is done through volunteers.

Our organization serves the counties of Wyandotte, Douglas and Leavenworth in Kansas, and the counties of Jackson, Cass, Clay, and Platte in Missouri. But we also encourage friends from anywhere to be a part of our events and mission. We often send newsletters to members out of town including residents in Japan and former Kansas Citians.

The Heart of America Japan-America Society is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies

In July 2012, the Heart of America Japan-America was awarded a Certificate of Commendations from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Koichiro Gemba, in recognition of our organization’s contributions to Japan-U.S. relations. Then Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki presented the award to the Society on behalf of Minister Gemba.    


Board Meetings

Board meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of each month. There are eight permanent officers and board members -- President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three board members. The Immediate Past President is also optionally an active board member. Any HAJAS member is welcome to attend Board meetings and provide input and ask questions. Some votes are made by the Board, others are put to the entire Society at general meetings.


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