Not Once but Twice: Why One Family Keeps Coming Back to Wichita

Some places you move to once. Others you move away from, only to find yourself coming back years later, wondering why you ever left.

For Cara Chennault-Reid, Vice President of Human Resources at Koch, Inc., Wichita falls into the second category.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in a small town outside Knoxville, Cara proudly calls herself a southerner. Her husband, John, does as well. He’s from South Carolina.

The pair’s first Wichita chapter began in 2006. That’s when Cara joined Koch and relocated from Little Rock, Arkansas, with John and their two young daughters in tow. One was in third grade. The other was in preschool. Like many families making a big move, they arrived with equal parts excitement and uncertainty.

They quickly realized Wichita felt like home.

“We were so amazed at how warm and inviting the community was to ‘outsiders,’” Cara explained. “It was probably the easiest transition of all our moves, and we’ve had many.”

John stayed home with the girls, a family structure that wasn’t always common at the time. In Wichita, it wasn’t questioned. Neighbors, schools, church friends and coworkers all stepped in, helping the family find their rhythm and, more importantly, their community.

After two years, life and opportunity took the family elsewhere. They eventually landed in the Atlanta suburbs. While living in Georgia was a positive experience for the family, they still longed for the community they’d had in Wichita. Then came 2022.

Round Two

That’s when Cara was offered the opportunity to return to Koch in her current leadership role.

“The factors that most influenced us to come back were the people, the opportunities to get involved in serving the community, the arts, and so much more,” Cara shared. “I firmly believe that Wichitans are the most caring, kind and generous people, and we have felt most at home here, which also surprised us.”

This time, the family’s move looked a little different. Their oldest daughter, Caroline, had just graduated from college and chose to start her career in Georgia. Their youngest, Camille, had just finished high school and was planning to attend college out of state until she visited Wichita.

“She fell in love with Wichita State University on her first visit,” Cara said.

Camille quickly found her place at WSU, diving into campus life, building friendships and creating connections. After graduating in May 2025, her Wichita chapter didn’t end.

She works in WSU’s admissions department, helping other students imagine their own future here. She’s also buying her first home in Wichita.

“Another southern girl who fell in love with Wichita,” Cara laughed.

Work & Play – Wichita Offers Both

Professionally, Cara says being in Wichita and at Koch’s headquarters has been equally rewarding. From meaningful work to hands-on volunteer opportunities, she’s seen firsthand how deeply connected business and community are.

“At Koch Headquarters here in Wichita, I am always excited to hear about the opportunities our employees have to further their career ambitions, solve problems, and really create value – not just for Koch but also for themselves, their families, and the community,” she said.

Then, there’s the lifestyle.

After years of Atlanta traffic, Wichita’s ease of movement feels almost luxurious. A 21-mile commute that once took hours now takes Cara minutes. It’s extra time she now has for her family, friends and life.

“Wichita offers all the same things a larger city does, yet it is easy to experience it all and connect with others,” she said.

As a senior HR leader who helps recruit talent to Wichita, Cara hears the same reaction from visitors again and again: “I had no idea.”

They’re surprised by the arts scene, the food, the sports, culture, history, and especially the people.

“In a world that focuses on differences, Wichita focuses on common ground,” she says. “People here are humble, authentic and genuinely welcoming.”

If she had to sum it up in one sentence?

“Wichita is not what you think. It’s a hidden gem,” Cara explained. “It’s one of those places you visit and want to keep coming back to over and over again. If you live here, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else in the world.”