Board of Directors & Staff

"I found Hollis by happenstance, or more likely God's will, through Scouting when we brought a young group of Cub Scouts and their families to the property to camp.  Seeing kids so energetic and engaged in the outdoors was so fulfilling and speaks to the mission of Hollis for spiritual growth and renewal.  Hollis provides this opportunity for kids, and adults alike, and I am honored to have a small part in supporting their mission." 

"Hollis holds a special place in my past: it was the site of one of the most formative moments in my faith journey, one that continues to shape who I am. I look forward to being a part of Hollis’ future, and for Hollis to be a part of my future as well." 

"I have always felt a warm, friendly, spiritual and hospitable environment at Hollis, from my first visits many years ago to present day. My hope and passion is to serve so as to maximize the opportunity for numerous others to experience those same feelings through all that God is sharing with us in this natural retreat setting." 

"Hollis is a beautiful place for refuge, reflection and restoration; and I want to do my part to preserve and enhance this space for our community. Here you can be still and draw closer to God - and be inspired to share the peace and hospitality you experience with others while here and when you return home."

"Hollis is a beautiful place for refuge, reflection and restoration."

"I want to be a part of Hollis hospitality, giving the opportunity for other young families to enjoy the grounds at Hollis and grow up respectfully appreciating nature and the idea of having a retreat.
​I want other families to learn that you don't have to travel hundreds of miles away, spend lots of money or buy lots of things you don't need. What you DO need is long quiet walks, swinging bridges, awesome sunsets, deer eating out of the bird feeder as you sit enjoying a big breakfast on a Sunday morning, hawks flying above the Labyrinth at sunset, watching a groundhog waddle across the road, hearing what deer & squirrel sound like at night, and watching your family playing cards at the kitchen table when at home, when you don't even own a deck of cards at home."

"WHY HOLLIS?  A local space to experience the peace, and beauty God has created in nature. Where  we encourage kids to come  share God's natural creation, especially  with kids whose life situation has not exposed them to this nature  creation."  

"Time spent outdoors is vital to good health--physical, emotional, and spiritual. For many years, I’ve experienced and witnessed how Hollis builds healthy relationship between people and with God’s natural world. I am proud to support this place where all are welcomed."

"Why  Hollis … better question is why not … Christian hospitality at its finest in a remote and secluded corner of the metro area where young and old can unplug and relax while enjoying the surprises Mother Nature has to offer."

"I discovered Hollis as part of a social event several years ago. The atmosphere and the mission drew me in and it has been both a place of quiet reflection and of joyful connection on numerous occasions. I think Hollis fills a unique niche in our community and the opportunity to support and enhance that experience for families is what brings me to serve."

 Burgess Burch moved from Arkansas to Kansas City in 1979, beginning his career as a project engineer with Black & Veatch Engineers and Architects. He later joined Johnson County Community College, where he served as an associate dean and professor of engineering. After retiring from JCCC in 2010, he focused on building a real estate investment business.

He holds bachelor's degrees in philosophy and civil engineering, as well as a master's degree in civil engineering. Additionally, he is a registered professional engineer in both Kansas and Missouri.

Now fully retired, Burgess enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Laura, are active members of Westside Family Church in Lenexa, where he has led men's and married couples' groups. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.