WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Kaye Monk-Morgan has been revealed as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIX, ambassador of Riverfest 2023.

Monk-Morgan is the president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center. Monk-Morgan, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, has an interest associated with women in leadership and first-generation student success. Her work at the KLC fosters civic leadership for stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities in Kansas and beyond.

“The Riverfest crew is lucky to have Kaye at the helm this year, as our admiral and official ambassador,” said Nancy Duling, president, and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “Her years of service to WFI—and Wichita—well qualify her to host Kansas’ largest community celebration.”

As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2023, Monk-Morgan will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, June 2-June 10. She will be assisted by the 2023 Prairie Schooner Mates, who were also present at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth representatives for Riverfest.

“I am honored and thrilled to be selected as Admiral. I cannot wait to share with the entire community the excitement I have about the Riverfest and my deep-rooted love for Wichita. June 2 can’t get here soon enough,” said Monk-Morgan.

The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith was established in 1974, when John Bell first wore the red coat during the third Riverfest, then known as Wichitennial River Festival.

Monk-Morgan is the 49th admiral, and she was introduced at North High School, Rochester Street, along with the Prairie Schooner Mates.