{"id":20755,"date":"2020-08-04T05:36:27","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T05:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kdc1000.wpengine.com\/?page_id=20755"},"modified":"2020-09-14T15:48:14","modified_gmt":"2020-09-14T15:48:14","slug":"leadership","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/es\/meet-the-team\/leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Liderazgo"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hero-block hero-block--simple\" >\n\n        <div class=\"breadcrumb_wrapper\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/es\/\">Inicio<\/a> \/\n                                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/es\/meet-the-team\/\">Conozca al equipo<\/a> \/\n                                                                <span>Liderazgo<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"container h-100\">\n            <div class=\"row align-items-center h-100\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 content\">\n                    <div>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liderazgo<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Departamento de Comercio de Kansas<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n    <div class=\"container\">                <div class=\"staff_listing card-wrapper-block\" id=\"staff_813452133\">\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lauras-favorite-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director of International Division<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Laura Lombard es la Directora de la Divisi\u00f3n Internacional del Departamento de Comercio. La misi\u00f3n de la Divisi\u00f3n Internacional es ampliar las exportaciones de Kansas y atraer inversiones extranjeras directas al estado.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Anteriormente fue Presidenta y Directora General de Kansas Global Trade Services. Laura particip\u00f3 en el Comit\u00e9 Asesor de Comercio Internacional (ITAC-9) del Departamento de Comercio de EE.UU. sobre peque\u00f1as empresas dirigidas por minor\u00edas y mujeres. Tambi\u00e9n es Vicepresidenta del Consejo de Exportaci\u00f3n del Distrito de Mid-America. Laura es licenciada en Relaciones Internacionales y Econom\u00eda por la Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Tambi\u00e9n es licenciada en Ciencias Pol\u00edticas y Estudios Internacionales por la Universidad de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Curtis-Young-KCAIC-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director of Kansas Arts Commission<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Curtis Young es Director de la Comisi\u00f3n de las Artes del Estado de Kansas. Dirige un equipo dedicado a apoyar, promover y ampliar el papel que desempe\u00f1an las artes y la cultura en la educaci\u00f3n, el desarrollo de la mano de obra y el bienestar de la comunidad en nuestro estado. Antes de incorporarse al Departamento de Comercio, trabaj\u00f3 durante nueve a\u00f1os en la Divisi\u00f3n de Arte y Cultura de Florida. Curtis, artista teatral en activo, es licenciado en Interpretaci\u00f3n por la Universidad de Memphis y posee un m\u00e1ster en Direcci\u00f3n por la Universidad Estatal de Florida.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bridgette-scaled-1-e1752172881106-1024x994.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director de Turismo<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Bridgette Jobe es la Directora de la Divisi\u00f3n de Turismo de Kansas en el Departamento de Comercio de Kansas, donde dirige un equipo de profesionales del turismo cuya misi\u00f3n es inspirar los viajes a Kansas y por todo el estado. \u00a1Como Directora, supervisa el marketing del estado para los visitantes, la publicaci\u00f3n de KANSAS! Magazine, el programa Kansas Agritourism y el programa Kansas Byways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Bridgette se uni\u00f3 a Turismo de Kansas en 2019.  Anteriormente, trabaj\u00f3 m\u00e1s de veinti\u00fan a\u00f1os en la Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes de Kansas City Kansas. Fue presidenta de la Asociaci\u00f3n de la Industria Tur\u00edstica de Kansas y presidenta del Consejo de Viajes y Turismo del Gobernador de Kansas.  Bridgette lleva toda la vida en Kansas y es una Original Dotte.&nbsp;<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_5657c-scaled-1-e1752518813122-1024x896.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Subsecretario de Calidad<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Matthew Godinez es Subsecretario de Lugares de Calidad del Departamento de Comercio de Kansas. Es responsable de la supervisi\u00f3n, gesti\u00f3n y direcci\u00f3n de las divisiones que incluyen Kansas Main Street, Community Development Block Grants, Housing, The Office of Rural Prosperity y The Office of Broadband Development. Su trabajo consiste en establecer la estrategia para la divisi\u00f3n de Lugares de Calidad e impulsar mejoras administrativas internas relacionadas con las operaciones de la agencia y garantizar que los programas de Lugares de Calidad est\u00e9n alineados con el Marco de Crecimiento de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Matt se desempe\u00f1\u00f3 anteriormente como Director Ejecutivo de la Autoridad de Desarrollo Regional de Chanute y la Comisi\u00f3n de Planificaci\u00f3n Regional del Sudeste de Kansas. Matt ha sido nombrado uno de los 50 mejores desarrolladores econ\u00f3micos de Norteam\u00e9rica, Top 40 under 40 in Economic Development y Leadership Kansas Class of 2019. En 2022, Matt recibi\u00f3 su designaci\u00f3n de Master Economic Development Practitioner de la Universidad del Sur de Mississippi.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Mike-Beene_Web.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Subsecretario de Comercio<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Mike Beene trabaja como Subsecretario de Comercio, supervisando los Servicios de Mano de Obra, Recursos Humanos, Servicios de Construcci\u00f3n y Workforce AID para el Departamento de Comercio de Kansas. Beene empez\u00f3 a trabajar en la agencia en enero de 2007 como Director Regional en el sureste de Kansas (Divisi\u00f3n de Servicios de Mano de Obra). Sus funciones incluyen la supervisi\u00f3n de todos los programas y subvenciones federales de mano de obra, adem\u00e1s de los 23 centros de mano de obra ubicados en todo el estado.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Beene obtuvo un m\u00e1ster en Educaci\u00f3n por la Universidad Estatal de Kansas. Antes de su carrera en el Departamento de Comercio, fue educador y administrador en instituciones secundarias y postsecundarias de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DSC06061-e1742245934981-944x1024.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Executive Director of Broadband Development<\/p>                        &#8220;<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Bill Abston serves as the Executive Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development. He will oversee the state\u2019s broadband initiatives that are expanding high-speed internet access across Kansas. Abston has more than three decades experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects, including fiber optic network development and utility construction.\n \nAbston has proven expertise driving revenue growth, delivering projects on time and within budget, and leading cross-functional teams. He is adept at fostering public-private partnerships, optimizing processes, and aligning organizational objectives with project outcomes.\n \nAbston has served as Principal at BBS Consulting, LLC in Tennessee; CEO of Hoosier Networks in Indiana, and President of OPALO, SAS in the Dominican Republic. He is a graduate of Northeast State Community College in Tennessee with an AAS degree in Design Drafting.<br><br><a href=\"\"mailto:bill.abston@ks.gov\"\">bill.abston@ks.gov<\/a><br>(785) 296-9941<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->&#8221;\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC03605ca_Trisha-Purdon_cc-copy-scaled-1-e1752521041988-1024x987.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director of Office of Rural Prosperity<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Trisha se incorpor\u00f3 a Commerce en 2021 como Directora de la Oficina de Prosperidad Rural. Anteriormente, Trisha desempe\u00f1\u00f3 funciones de liderazgo en el desarrollo econ\u00f3mico rural, tanto a nivel de ciudad como de condado, durante m\u00e1s de una d\u00e9cada.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Es licenciada en Bienestar Social, con especializaci\u00f3n en pol\u00edticas p\u00fablicas, por la Universidad de Kansas (KU). Tambi\u00e9n obtuvo un m\u00e1ster en Administraci\u00f3n P\u00fablica por la KU, centr\u00e1ndose en la gesti\u00f3n de la administraci\u00f3n local como parte del programa de la Kansas University City Managers and Trainees Alumni Organization.  Nacida en Kansas, creci\u00f3 en la peque\u00f1a ciudad de Kiowa.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC03236-e1728671617754-1024x841.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Chief Innovation &amp; Strategy Officer<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Romaine Redman es el Director de Innovaci\u00f3n y Estrategia del Departamento de Comercio de Kansas. Supervisa la alineaci\u00f3n de las iniciativas de la Oficina de Innovaci\u00f3n con los objetivos econ\u00f3micos m\u00e1s amplios del estado, aprovechando su experiencia y sus asociaciones con las principales partes interesadas para garantizar que el departamento desempe\u00f1e un papel vital en la creaci\u00f3n de un futuro pr\u00f3spero para Kansas. Est\u00e1 ayudando a crear una econom\u00eda \u00e1gil y con visi\u00f3n de futuro en la que los innovadores y las empresas innovadoras puedan prosperar en el Estado del Girasol.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Redman is a Certified Economic Developer and innovation ecosystem builder with a proven track record in fostering innovation ecosystems, driving transformative economic development, and cultivating collaborative partnerships. He has a master\u2019s degree in Economic Development and Innovation, along with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Joshua-Favorite-copy-1-e1707173391406-1024x792.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Deputy Secretary<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Joshua Jefferson serves as the Deputy Secretary of Business Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, where he leads statewide efforts to attract, retain and expand businesses while advancing strategic economic initiatives that promote long-term prosperity. He oversees a high-performing division focused on driving private-sector capital investment, creating quality jobs and fostering a business-friendly climate across Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>With over 17 years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate, aviation management and workforce development, Jefferson has established himself as a transformative leader in both the public and private sectors. He has played a pivotal role in securing landmark projects such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Merck and Fiserv. Prior to his role in Kansas, Jefferson was instrumental in attracting major aerospace investments to the Greater Phoenix region, including Virgin Galactic\u2019s Delta Class spacecraft facility and Gulfstream\u2019s West Coast Service Center.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Jefferson\u2019s leadership spans diverse and high-growth sectors, including aviation, advanced manufacturing, financial technology and logistics. His strategic oversight has helped position Kansas as a national hub for innovation and industry leadership. Known for his expertise in site selection, incentive structuring and transformational project delivery, he is a trusted advisor to businesses, policymakers and community organizations alike.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>In recognition of his impact, Jefferson was named one of North America\u2019s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect in 2025. He holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Urban Real Estate Planning from Arizona State University and remains committed to strengthening Kansas\u2019s economy through proactive, inclusive and forward-thinking development strategies.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_4119c_Bob-North_CC_portrait-scaled-1-e1751389274249-1024x979.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Abogado Jefe<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Bob North es Consejero Jefe del Departamento de Comercio de Kansas. Bob es responsable de las operaciones del Departamento de Comercio y ha desempe\u00f1ado este cargo desde 2004. Tiene una amplia experiencia en financiaci\u00f3n p\u00fablica, programas de desarrollo econ\u00f3mico financiados con bonos y otros incentivos de desarrollo econ\u00f3mico. Antes de incorporarse a Commerce, trabaj\u00f3 en el sector privado.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sherry-Rentfro_Web.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Fiscal Jefe<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Sherry Rentfro se uni\u00f3 a Commerce en junio de 2014 como Analista Fiscal y se convirti\u00f3 en la Directora Fiscal en febrero de 2018.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Antes de Commerce, trabaj\u00f3 durante m\u00e1s de 10 a\u00f1os gestionando la contabilidad y las finanzas de una asociaci\u00f3n sin \u00e1nimo de lucro que sirve a la industria de las telecomunicaciones en Kansas. Es licenciada en Finanzas por la Universidad de Washburn y tiene un MBA por la Universidad de Baker.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jim-Haugh-e1752511291342-1024x971.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director de Informaci\u00f3n<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Jim Haugh se incorpor\u00f3 a Commerce en diciembre de 2016 como Director de Informaci\u00f3n. Antes de Commerce, Haugh fue arquitecto de servicios en la nube para el estado de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Haugh pas\u00f3 m\u00e1s de siete a\u00f1os en el Departamento de Transportes de Kansas, donde empez\u00f3 como analista de software de sistemas y dej\u00f3 el KDOT como supervisor de soporte de plataformas empresariales. En 1992, Haugh se licenci\u00f3 en Sistemas Inform\u00e1ticos por la Missouri Western University.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sandra-Brown_Web.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director de Recursos Humanos<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Sandy Brown se incorpor\u00f3 al Departamento de Comercio en 2004 como profesional de recursos humanos.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Antes de incorporarse a Kansas Commerce, trabaj\u00f3 como profesional de recursos humanos en el Departamento de Recursos Humanos de Kansas. Anteriormente, trabaj\u00f3 como gestora de casos JTPA en Emporia. Estudi\u00f3 empresariales en la Universidad Estatal de Wichita.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_4074c_Patrick-Lowry_cc-scaled-e1720623202794-732x1024.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director de Marketing y Comunicaci\u00f3n<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Patrick Lowry se uni\u00f3 al equipo del Departamento de Comercio en junio de 2022. Ayuda a promover lo mejor que Kansas tiene que ofrecer con el fin de atraer a nuevas empresas al estado y retener a las empresas existentes.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Lowry, redactor y editor de peri\u00f3dicos durante muchos a\u00f1os, tambi\u00e9n ha dirigido actividades de marketing y comunicaci\u00f3n en el Instituto de Salud de Kansas y en la Red de Atenci\u00f3n Comunitaria de Kansas. Es licenciado en Periodismo y Ciencias Pol\u00edticas por la Universidad de Indiana y tiene un m\u00e1ster en Administraci\u00f3n de Empresas por el Benedictine College.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p><\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC07334-FAV-CROPPED-resized-938x1024.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Executive Assistant<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Leisa trabaja en Commerce desde 2019 y supervisa la programaci\u00f3n y las funciones administrativas del vicegobernador y secretario de Commerce, Toland. Antes de unirse a Commerce, ocup\u00f3 varios puestos administrativos en importantes empleadores de Topeka, incluidos Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas y Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. Tambi\u00e9n cuenta con varios a\u00f1os de experiencia administrativa a nivel ejecutivo en una empresa de gesti\u00f3n de asociaciones\/lobbying y, justo antes de incorporarse a Commerce, en Topeka Metro. Leisa estudi\u00f3 Administraci\u00f3n de Empresas en la Universidad de Washburn y es una orgullosa habitante de Kansas de toda la vida.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Secretary-of-Commerce-David-Toland-April-2025_Medium-Size-819x1024.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Vicegobernador y Secretario de Comercio<\/p>                        <p>\nDavid Toland is the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Kansas and also serves as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. \nA seventh-generation Kansan, Toland was appointed Secretary of Commerce by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2019 and \nLieutenant Governor in January 2021.\n<\/p>\n\n<p>\nDuring his time as Secretary, Kansas has become a dominant force in economic development \u2014 twice garnering the most \nprivate sector investment per capita of any state in the nation \u2014 and breaking every previous record for capital \ninvestment and job creation in state history.\n<\/p>\n\n<p>\nIn addition to the historic deal that will bring the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas in 2031, Toland also led the state\u2019s \nsuccessful recruitment of one of the largest economic development projects in state history, the $4 billion, 4,000 job \nPanasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto. Not only has Toland led very large projects, but he has also focused \non grassroots community-led development such as revitalizing buildings on Main Streets, creating upper-floor housing in \ndowntown districts, and investing in the Rural Champions program that strengthens Kansas communities.\n<\/p>\n\n<p>\nThis ongoing wave of economic momentum was spurred by a complete overhaul of the Department of Commerce led by \nLt. Governor Toland. This included getting Kansas re-engaged internationally, championing regional approaches to \neconomic development, and placing a new emphasis on growth and quality of life in rural communities.\n<\/p>\n\n<p>\nToland has extensive experience in urban and rural economic development, having worked at the local level in both \nWashington, D.C., and in his hometown of Iola in Allen County. He holds both Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees from \nthe University of Kansas.\n<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kayla-Savage-scaled-1-e1752517668609-1024x978.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Directora de Compromiso con la Comunidad<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Kayla Savage es Directora de Participaci\u00f3n Comunitaria del Departamento de Comercio de Kansas. Trabaja en nombre del Secretario de Comercio y del Vicegobernador con comunidades de todo Kansas para diversas iniciativas de Comercio. Tambi\u00e9n representa al Secretario en varias juntas y comisiones, como la Autoridad del Agua de Kansas, la Junta de la Feria Estatal de Kansas, el Sal\u00f3n de la Fama Empresarial y la Red de Informaci\u00f3n de Kansas. <\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n \n <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Kayla cuenta con casi 20 a\u00f1os de experiencia en gesti\u00f3n de organizaciones sin \u00e1nimo de lucro, desarrollo comunitario y administraci\u00f3n de servicios p\u00fablicos. Es licenciada en Comunicaci\u00f3n y Relaciones P\u00fablicas por la Universidad Estatal de Emporia y tiene un m\u00e1ster en Desarrollo Comunitario por la Universidad Estatal de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_3961c_Ryan-Wills_cc-scaled-1-732x1024.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Deputy Chief of Staff<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Ryan Wills is Deputy Chief of Staff at the Kansas Department of Commerce. Wills previously served as Special Assistant to Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, Manager of Constituent Services and Hospitality Industry Liaison. 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..<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_5754c_Rachel-Willis_cropped-scaled-1-e1752519718772-1024x988.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Director de Asuntos Legislativos<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Rachel Willis es licenciada en Ciencias Pol\u00edticas y Comunicaci\u00f3n por la Universidad de Washburn. Tambi\u00e9n obtuvo un m\u00e1ster en Administraci\u00f3n P\u00fablica con especializaci\u00f3n en liderazgo de organizaciones sin \u00e1nimo de lucro en la Universidad de Kansas. Rachel cuenta con m\u00e1s de una d\u00e9cada de experiencia en la gesti\u00f3n de organizaciones educativas sin \u00e1nimo de lucro y, m\u00e1s recientemente, trabaj\u00f3 como miembro de un grupo de presi\u00f3n defendiendo diversos intereses en una peque\u00f1a empresa de asuntos p\u00fablicos de Topeka. &nbsp;<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2021-06-17-9984final_abby-scaled-1-e1751389558623-1024x980.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Chief of Staff<\/p>                        <!-- wp:paragraph -->\n <p>Works se licenci\u00f3 en Agricultura por la Universidad Estatal de Kansas, en la especialidad de Ciencia e Industria Alimentarias, con especializaci\u00f3n en Administraci\u00f3n de Empresas. Tambi\u00e9n obtuvo un m\u00e1ster en Estudios Europeos e Internacionales Avanzados por el Centre International de Formation Europ\u00e9enne. Antes de empezar a trabajar en el Departamento de Comercio, Works fue Coordinadora de Desarrollo de Agronegocios en el Departamento de Agricultura de Kansas.<\/p>\n <!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"staff row-block detailed row align-items-start\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-3\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morgan-Favorite-2-1024x960.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 col-lg-9\">\n                    <h5> <\/h5>\n                    <div class=\"content\">\n                        <p>Special Assistant<\/p>                        \n                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":78,"menu_order":449,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-20755","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Leadership - Kansas Department of Commerce<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Just as we believe it&#039;s important for us to know who you are and how you approach your business, we also believe it&#039;s important for you to know who we are and how we approach ours. 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