Commerce appoints Trent Armbrust to lead business development efforts for bioscience and technology sectors

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced Trent Armbrust will join the Kansas Department of Commerce as director of strategy for Bioscience and Technology effective Sept. 23.

This newly created role and Armbrust’s appointment come as Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary Toland aggressively target the bioscience and technology sectors for growth in the state. Armbrust will develop a strategy to reengage these key sectors, helping them achieve sustained success in Kansas.

“Creating an ecosystem that facilitates the growth of tech companies in Kansas is a priority for Governor Kelly and the Department of Commerce,” Secretary Toland said. “We are thrilled to have Trent join the Commerce team and lead the effort to reengage the state as a partner in growing knowledge jobs in Kansas.”

Armbrust comes to Commerce following seven years in Economic Development for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. An active member of several economic development, bioscience and community organizations, Armbrust earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and master’s degree in Plant Physiology from Kansas State University and is a graduate from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Speaking of his new role, Armbrust said, “It’s truly exciting to join the Kansas Department of Commerce as Governor Kelly and Secretary Toland build a new vision for Kansas as a preeminent state for business location and success.”

Armbrust will serve as a member of the Commerce leadership team and be responsible for rebuilding relationships with private- and public-sector partners as the state seeks to help advance new technologies, support innovative research, create new jobs and further advance Kansas’ leadership across key bioscience sectors.