KANSAS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff Lieutenant Governor / Secretary of Commerce David Toland
Works earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University, majoring in Food Science and Industry with a minor in Business Administration. She also received a master's degree in Advanced European and International Studies from Centre International de Formation Européenne. Prior to beginning work at the Department of Commerce, Works was an Agribusiness Development Coordinator at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
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- International Representative
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- Regional Operations Manager
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- Assistant Boxing Commission
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Consultant ( DVOP )
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- Workforce Services Supervisor
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- Human Resource Professional
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- Administrative Specialist
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- Assistant Director - Export Promotion
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- Reemployment Connections Manager
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- Research & Contracts Manager
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- Recruitment Project Manager, Kansas City Metro Region
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- KIT / KIR Program Manager
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- Communications Coordinator
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- Business Services Representative
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- Business Recruitment Project Manager, East Coast Region
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- Program Manager, Alternative Workforce Specialist
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- Veterans Employment Representative DVOP
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- Chief
- Counsel
- Chief Counsel for the Kansas Department
Bob North serves as Chief Counsel for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Bob is responsible for Commerce operations and has served as Chief Counsel for Commerce since 2004. He has extensive experience in public financing, bond-funded economic development programs and other economic development incentives. Prior to joining Commerce, he was in private practice.
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- Director of Advanced Technology
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- Finance Programs Administration Manager
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- Director
- Director of the Kansas Tourism Division at the Kansas Department
Bridgette Jobe is the Director of the Kansas Tourism Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce where she leads a dedicated staff of tourism professionals whose mission is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas. As Director, she oversees the state's marketing to visitors, the publication of KANSAS! Magazine, the Kansas Agritourism program, and the Kansas Byways program.
Bridgette joined Kansas Tourism in 2019. Previously, she spent over twenty-one years with the Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is a past president of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas and served as chairman of the Kansas Governor's Council on Travel and Tourism. Bridgette is a life-long Kansan and an Original Dotte.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Business Services Representative
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- Broadband Infrastructure Program Manager
Casey Russell, Broadband Infrastructure Program Manager for the Office of Broadband Development since April 2023, leverages over a decade of experience as a Network Engineer at KanREN. His expertise includes installing and managing fiber optic transport equipment, Route/Switch hardware, and customer premise equipment for a network serving 85 community anchor institutions across Kansas. Active in the research and education community, Casey contributes to internet standards development and was involved in testing the Automated Multicast Tunneling Protocol (AMT). With a strong background in state and federal grant programs, he is a two-time National Science Foundation Panel reviewer in technology.
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- International Representative
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Recruitment & International Trade Project Manager, South Central Region
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- Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator
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- Poetry Out Loud Coordinator
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- Technology Support Consultant
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- Veterans Employment Representative
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- PR & Communications Manager
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Sector Development Specialist
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- Apprenticeship Program Manager
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- in - State Business Development Project Manager
- in - State Business Development Project Manager, Northwest Region
- in - State Business Development Project Manager, Southeast Region
- Manager, in - State Business Development Team, Southeast Region
- State Business Development Project Manager
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- Director
- Director of Arts Commission
Curtis Young serves as Director of the Kansas state arts agency, the Kansas Arts Commission. He leads a team dedicated to supporting, promoting and expanding the role arts and culture play in education, workforce development and community well-being in our state. Prior to joining Commerce, he spent nine years with Florida's state arts agency, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture. A practicing theatre artist, Curtis holds a B.F.A. in Performance from the University of Memphis and an M.F.A. in Directing from Florida State University.
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- Program Consultant I DVOP
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- Physical Plant Supervisor Senior
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- DVOP - Program Consultant I
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- Lieutenant Governor of Kansas / Secretary of Commerce
David Toland is the 52 nd Lieutenant Governor of the State of Kansas and also serves as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. A seventh-generation Kansan, Toland was appointed Secretary of Commerce by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2019 and Lieutenant Governor in January 2021.
As Secretary of Commerce Toland has led Governor Kelly's efforts to transform the state's economy, directing a top-to-bottom overhaul of the Kansas Department of Commerce. His efforts at Commerce have included rebuilding its in-state, domestic and international business recruitment teams; launching the state's Office of Broadband Development; re-establishing the Kansas Main Street Program; revitalizing the state's Registered Apprenticeship program; designing and implementing the Kansas Framework for Growth strategic plan; and shepherding passage of the APEX Megaproject Bill, which gives Kansas one of the most aggressive economic development incentives in the country. Toland also led Governor Kelly's successful recruitment of the largest private sector investment in Kansas history, Panasonic Energy's $4 billion Electric Vehicle Battery plant in De Soto.
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- Poetry Out Loud Co - Coordinator
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- Main Street Program Assistant Director
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- Communications Coordinator
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- Veterans Employment Representative DVOP
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Placemaking Community Development Specialist
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- Senior Administrative Specialist
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- Public Service Executive III
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- Regional Operations Manager LA II
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- Workforce Services Supervisor
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- Director of Performance and Programming
Hugh Carter serves as the Director of Performance and Programming at Commerce. He has more than a decade of workforce development and government relations experience at the local, state, and federal level. He was appointed to the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan planning commission before being elected to serve as a Lawrence City Commissioner. As Vice President of External Affairs for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Hugh headed up government relations and oversaw the development of the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. He also provided leadership to METL, a regional coalition of the Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, and Lawrence Chambers of Commerce. Before entering the Chamber world, Hugh received his Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and opened several hotel, casino, and convention center properties in eight different states as a hospitality executive.
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- Website and Database Manager
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Director of the Office of Broadband Development
In her role as Director of Broadband Development for the state of Kansas since June 2022, Jade Piros de Carvalho draws on her extensive background in rural broadband and local governance. With seven years with a rural broadband provider, she managed government and public affairs, leading advocacy for broadband expansion policy and championing digital equity initiatives. Simultaneously, as an elected official for nearly a decade, including three terms as the mayor of Hutchinson until 2023, Piros de Carvalho has demonstrated a commitment to community service, earning multiple public service awards for her volunteer work with civic and nonprofit organizations. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts from Wichita State University and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri, Columbia, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her leadership in broadband development.
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- Administrative Specialist
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- Workforce Services Specialist II
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- Technology Support Consultant
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- Retainworks Administrative Coordinator
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- Recruitment Project Manager, Great Lakes Region
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- Broadband Grant Compliance and Reporting Manager
Jessica Henry, who joined the Office of Broadband Development in June 2023, brings a wealth of experience and education to her role. Holding a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Washburn University, with a minor in Spanish, Jessica is currently pursuing a Master of Accountancy degree, reflecting her passion for the intersection of finance and technology. With a decade-long tenure at the Kansas Department of Commerce as a Grant Compliance Auditor, she ensured the equitable administration of grants for Kansans through the national public workforce development system. Outside the office, Jessica actively engages in local sporting events with her two sons and enjoys family time, reading, and gardening.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Deputy Executive Director
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- Chief Information Officer
Jim Haugh joined Commerce in December of 2016 as the Chief Information Officer. Prior to Commerce, Haugh was a Cloud Services Architect for the State of Kansas.
Haugh spent more than seven years at the Kansas Department of Transportation beginning as a System Software Analyst and leaving KDOT as the Enterprise Platform Support Supervisor. In 1992, Haugh earned his B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Missouri Western University.
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- Technology Support Consultant
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Apprenticeship Partnership Manager
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- Manager, Referral Center Programs and Operations
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- Apprenticeship IT Sector Coordinator
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- Technical Reseach Analyst
- Technical Research Analyst
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- Director of Economic Recovery
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- Northeast Region Project Manager
- State Business Development Project Manager
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- Assistant Manager / Intensive Services Coordinator
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- Deputy Director
- Deputy Director of Broadband Development
Joseph Le, the Deputy Director of Broadband Development since January 2023, brings a diverse background in politics, public service and technology, graduating from the University of Kansas with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. He served as Chief of Staff for Kansas House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer before joining the Broadband Development team. With a history in the Kansas Legislature, including as Legislative Director and Operations Director, Joseph also contributed to troubleshooting the Affordable Care Act website at General Dynamics' IT department during the Obama Administration. Beyond his professional pursuits, he actively serves on the Douglas County Community Corrections Advisory Board and the City of Lawrence Human Relations Commission. In his leisure time, Joseph enjoys following NCAA Men's Basketball, coding, keeping abreast of tech innovations, and spending quality moments with his Akita, Emi.
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- Data and Research Analyst
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- Broadband Program Manager
Josh, a 6th generation Kansan born and raised, joined the Office of Broadband Development team March 2023, bringing a deep connection to his roots as his family still owns and farms the same land from the 1870s. An alumnus of Kansas State University with both bachelor's and master's degrees in political science, Josh began his career as a policy analyst at the Nebraska Public Service Commission, managing the in-state broadband grant program. Despite enjoying exploring Nebraska's sandhills, he retains a preference for hiking the Konza prairie. Beyond work, Josh is an active outdoor enthusiast, engaging in running, biking, gardening and embracing the Kansas weather. A passionate reader with a diverse collection, he is excited to contribute to the KOBD team's efforts in bringing reliable broadband to deserving communities. joshua.edgar@ks.gov 785-207-3892
Job Titles:
- Deputy Secretary of Business Development for the Kansas Department
Joshua Jefferson serves as the Deputy Secretary of Business Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce. He is responsible for business recruitment and in-state business development, driving growth and prosperity for the state. He spearheads strategic initiatives that foster a business-friendly environment, forges partnerships with key stakeholders, and attracts investments that drive job creation and private sector capital investment.
Jefferson is an accomplished professional in economic development, commercial real estate, aviation management and workforce development. With more than 17 years of experience, Joshua was a driving force in shaping the economic landscape in the Greater Phoenix Metro, where he most recently served as Economic Development Program Manager for the city of Tempe, Arizona. He earned a bachelor's degree in Urban Real Estate Planning at Arizona State University.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Workforce Services Trainer
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- Local Veterans Employment Representative
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- Program Consultant I ( DVOP / WP )
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- International Project Manager
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- Director of Community Engagement at the Kansas Department
Kayla Savage is Director of Community Engagement at the Kansas Department of Commerce. She provides engagement on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce and Lieutenant Governor with communities across Kansas for various Commerce initiatives. She also represents the Secretary on various Boards and Commissions, including the Kansas Water Authority, Kansas State Fair Board, Business Hall of Fame and the Information Network for Kansas.
Kayla has nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development and public service administration. She earned her BFA in Communications-Public Relations from Emporia State University and Master of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University
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- Mobile Workforce Center Manager
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- Grassroots Strategy Developer
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- Industry Relations Manager
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- Employment and Work Incentives Specialist
- Public Service Admin II
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- Senior Administrative Assistant
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- Operations and Logistics Coordinator
Kelsey Haile serves as the Operations and Logistics Coordinator for the Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce.
She received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Wichita State University and is currently earning her Masters of Public Administration. Kelsey has served in various economic development roles and interned with the Kansas Department of Commerce in 2021.
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- Grassroots Strategy Developer
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- Digital Opportunity Program Manager
Kimberlyn Jones, a committed Digital Opportunity Program Manager of KOBD and proud Kansas City native, holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Certificate in Dance from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an Executive MBA in Business Management from Rockhurst University. With a diverse professional background spanning insurance, finance, nonprofit management, and economic development. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kimberlyn is a passionate advocate for the community and a devoted mother to her grown children, Kiara and Curtis. In 1982, she founded the Kansas City Metropolitan Dance Theatre, a nonprofit dance education and performing arts center for children in the urban core, leaving a lasting legacy. In her leisure time, Kimberlyn enjoys traveling, exploring new wines, cooking, and spending quality moments with friends and family.
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- Economic Recovery Program Specialist
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- Business Recruitment Project Manager, Central Region
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- Regional Operations Manager
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- Workforce Services Supervisor
Laura Kelly is the 48th Governor of Kansas. She has made it her life's mission to fight for Kansas children and families on the job, in her community, as a four-term state senator and as governor.
Kelly has prioritized fully funding public schools, expanding affordable healthcare, reforming the child welfare system and growing the Kansas economy - especially in rural communities - as Governor.
Kelly is ready to bring people together and lead Kansas into the next chapter.
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- Director of the International Division for the Department
- International Division Director
Laura Lombard is the Director of the International Division for the Department of Commerce. The mission of the International Division is to expand Kansas' exports and attract foreign direct investment to the state.
She was previously the President & CEO of Kansas Global Trade Services. Laura participated on the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC-9) on Small, Minority, and Women-Led Businesses. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Mid-America District Export Council. Laura graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies with a master's degree in international relations and economics. She also has a B.A. in political science and international studies from the University of Kansas.
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- Assistant Director, Global Resources
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- RESEA Workforce Specialist
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- Executive Assistant to Lieutenant Governor / Secretary of Commerce David Toland
Leisa has been with Commerce since 2019 and oversees scheduling and administrative functions for Lt. Governor/Commerce Secretary Toland. Prior to joining Commerce, she held various administrative roles with prominent Topeka employers including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. She also has several years of executive-level administrative experience with an association management/lobbying firm and just prior to joining Commerce, with Topeka Metro. Leisa studied business management at Washburn University and is a proud lifelong Kansan.
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- in - State Business Development Project Manager, Southwest Region
- State Business Development Project Manager
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- Byways and Signage Manager
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- Human Resource Professional
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- Economic Recovery Program Specialist
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- Broadband Grant Program Manager
Marie McNeal has served the Office of Broadband Development since December 2023 and brings a wealth of experience from her 25-year tenure at the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), where she served as the Director of Grants and Quality Assurance. In this role, Marie managed grant programs supporting adult and juvenile community supervision agencies and non-profit entities serving justice-involved youth. As a lifelong Kansan, Marie takes pride in her work at KDOC, which heightened her awareness of the crucial need to enhance individuals' quality of life. This passion aligns perfectly with the mission of the KOBD team in closing the digital divide and ensuring universal access to quality connectivity. Residing in Topeka with her life partner Henry, Marie is an avid supporter of her beloved KU Jayhawks, and she enjoys relaxing with family and friends, traveling, and indulging in Netflix series or real-life crime shows during her downtime. #RockChalk #GoKU.
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- Juvenile Justice Workforce Specialist
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- in - State Business Development Project Manager, South Central Region
- State Business Development Project Manager
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- Assistant Secretary of Quality Places for the Kansas Department
Matthew Godinez serves as the Assistant Secretary of Quality Places for the Kansas Department of Commerce. He is responsible for providing oversight, management and direction to divisions that include Kansas Main Street, Community Development Block Grants, Housing, The Office of Rural Prosperity, and The Office of Broadband Development. His work entails setting the strategy for the Quality Places division and drive internal administrative improvements related to agency operations and ensures Quality Places programs are aligned with the Kansas Framework for Growth.
Matt previously served as the Executive Director of the Chanute Regional Development Authority and the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission. Matt has been named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America, Top 40 under 40 in Economic Development and Leadership Kansas Class of 2019. In 2022, Matt received his Master Economic Development Practitioner designation from the University of Southern Mississippi.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Foreign Labor Certification Representative
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Technology Support Consultant
Mike Beene serves as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, overseeing Workforce Services, Human Resources, Building Services and Workforce AID for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Beene started with the agency in January 2007 as a Regional Director in Southeast Kansas (Workforce Services Division). His duties include oversight of all federal workforce programs and grants, in addition to the 23 workforce centers located across the state.
Beene received a Master's degree in Education from Kansas State University. Prior to his career with the Department of Commerce, he was an educator and administrator in both secondary and postsecondary institutions in Kansas.
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- Native American Veteran 's Representative
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Travel Information Centers Manager
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- Veterans Employment Representative
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- Engagement and Outreach Manager
- Outreach Manager
Morgan Barnes joined the Office of Broadband Development in October of 2022. Her background includes a bachelor's from Wichita State University with an emphasis in Integrated Marketing Communications. Before joining the Office of Broadband Development, she worked in banking and higher education. Before moving to public service, Morgan was a Program Manager at the Public Policy and Management Center at Wichita State University and connected with public servants.
As the Engagement and Outreach Manager, Morgan provides strategic communication and outreach management for the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.
A rural-by-choice Kansan, Morgan and her family reside in Cowley County. Living in rural and urban spaces, Morgan recognizes the importance of internet access, affordability, and reliability for our neighbors across the state.
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- Workforce Services Supervisor
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- Business Development Proposal Manager
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- Director of Marketing and Communications
Patrick Lowry joined the Department of Commerce team in June 2022. He helps promote the best Kansas has to offer with the purpose of enticing new businesses into the state and retaining existing businesses.
A long-time newspaper editor and publisher, Lowry also has led marketing/communications efforts at the Kansas Health Institute and the Community Care Network of Kansas. He earned his bachelor's in Journalism and Political Science from Indiana University and an Executive MBA from Benedictine College.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Executive Director Governor 's Military Council
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- Business Recruitment Project Manager, West Coast Region
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- Director of Legislative Affairs
Rachel Willis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washburn University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications. She also received a master's degree in Public Administration with a focus in non-profit leadership from the University of Kansas. Rachel has over a decade of experience in educational nonprofit management and most recently was a lobbyist advocating for a variety of interests at small public affairs firm in Topeka.
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- Senior Salesforce Administrator
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- Deputy Director, International Division
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- Veteran Employment Representative
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- Special Projects Coordinator
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- Special Assistant to Lieutenant Governor Toland
Ryan Wills is the Special Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, David Toland. Wills previously served as the Manager of Constituent Services and Hospitality Industry Liaison for the Kansas Department of Commerce. He was also a project coordinator on the Back to Business Team where he helped with the administration of Small Business Working Capital Grants. Previous to Commerce, Wills held various management roles within the hospitality, restaurant, and music industries.
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- Economic Development Representative
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- Director of Human Resources
Sandy Brown joined the Department of Commerce in 2004 as a Human Resource Professional.
Before joining Kansas Commerce, she served as a Human Resource Professional with Kansas Department of Human Resources. Previously, she served as JTPA Case Manager in Emporia. She studied business at Wichita State University.
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- Senior Administrative Assistant
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- Administrative Office Assistant
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- Community Development Specialist IDA and CSP Tax Credit Program Coordinator
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- Healthcare Apprenticeship Sector Coordinator
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- Main Street Program Director
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Broadband Partnerships Coordinator
Shelley Paasch, the Kansas Office of Broadband Partnerships Coordinator, leverages 20 years of team management and leadership experience, coupled with 16 years of expertise in ecosystem building, relationship cultivation, and community outreach. Specializing in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, she excels in bridging gaps for businesses in local, unserved, and underserved communities. A certified facilitator for the Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset program since 2015, Shelley focuses on business growth, strategic planning, and ecosystem building. Shelley serves as a relationship builder with community stakeholders and internet service providers, driving broadband expansion with municipal and state agencies.
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- Federal Grants Program Manager
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- Public Service Executive II
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- Project Director of KHPOP
Sherry Rentfro joined Commerce in June of 2014 as Fiscal Analyst and became the Chief Fiscal Officer in February 2018.
Prior to Commerce, she worked for over 10 years managing the accounting and finances of a non-profit association that serves the telecommunications industry in Kansas. She earned a BBA in Finance from Washburn University and MBA from Baker University.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Veterans Employment Representative
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- Broadband Data and GIS Analyst
Stephen, who joined the KOBD team in 2023, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for exploration. Originally from California and recently transplanted from Oregon, he has embraced Kansas since 2021, enjoying its rich history, connected communities, and diverse opportunities. Holding a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and a Master's degree in Geography from San Jose State University, Stephen spent most of his career in the travel industry, contributing to Expedia and Hotwire.com. With four children-two boys and two girls -he has been busy for the last 22 years, cherishing the cultural richness brought by his girls from Ethiopia. Beyond work and family, Stephen finds joy in continuous learning and exploring nature, capturing its beauty through his dedicated photography habit. He expresses, "Taking photos of the beauty all around me gives me joy."
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- Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Tara Logan serves as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff within the Kansas Department of Commerce. She previously worked with the Kansas Main Street program before transitioning to the Office of the Secretary. Prior to her time with Commerce, she gained experience working at the Capitol as a senator's Chief of Staff during the 2023 session, where much of her work revolved around legislation concerning state commerce and taxes.
Tara graduated from Northwest Missouri State University, studying political science, business and economics. She started her own political consulting firm after graduating and focused on candidates in rural areas of Missouri. Her prior experiences also include working in special education, early childhood education and for a non-profit mental health organization.
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- Director of Minority and Women Business Development
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- Workforce Service Specialist
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- Senior Communications Coordinator
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- Manager, Referral Center Operations
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- in - State Business Development Project Manager, North Central Region
- State Business Development Project Manager
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- Director
- Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity
- Director, Office of Rural Prosperity
Trisha joined Commerce in 2021 as the Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity. Trisha previously held rural economic developer leadership roles in both city and county-levels for over a decade.
She earned a bachelor's degree in Social Welfare, focusing on public policy, from the University of Kansas (KU). She also earned a master's degree in Public Administration from KU, concentrating on local government management as a part of the Kansas University City Managers and Trainees Alumni Organization program. A native of Kansas, she grew up in the small town of Kiowa.
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- Workforce Services Specialist
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- Public Service Administrator
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- in - State Business Development Project Manager, Wichita Metro Region
- State Business Development Project Manager