Right on the Money

By Katie Van Luchene

When Anita Newton pitched the idea of an innovation lab to CommunityAmerica Credit Union, a position was created just for her. But work isn’t the only reason Anita is high on Kansas City.

If Kansas City needs a new motto, Anita Newton has one ready: The sweet spot for work, family and philanthropy.

Anita and husband Dean, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Kansas, along with twin teens Sydney and Spencer, could be the tagline’s poster family.

As Chief Innovation Officer at Community America, Anita develops member services that deliver financial well-being to individuals and families.

One program that percolated in her innovation lab — a suite of free college planning tools — was so successful it’s now used by credit unions across the United States and was featured in Forbes. But the word community isn’t just part of her employer’s name; it resonates throughout her life.

The family lives in Prairie Village where, she says, “our kids had the ideal childhood, like walking from middle school to the Village to meet up with friends.”

The couple has always focused on creating family experiences. They’re big into sports, from KU basketball to professional teams. The twins recently graduated from Shawnee Mission East, where Anita compares a Lancer pep rally to the excitement of a Chief’s game.

Weekends usually find the group at a dog park with goldendoodles, Scout and Bailey, and an evening at home often includes a round of Bananagrams or Charades with friends.

As new empty nesters, their itinerary includes more date nights at Lidia’s, Sushi House or neighborhood favorites Story and Café Provence.

And that’s not all. Philanthropic efforts such as co-chairing Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Red Hot Night in 2022 and being honorary chairs for the Starlight Gala in 2023 are additional outlets for this community centric power couple.