David Toland is the 52nd Lieutenant Governor 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.

During his time as Secretary, Kansas has become a dominant force in economic development — twice garnering the most private sector investment per capita of any state in the nation — and breaking every previous record for capital investment and job creation in state history.

In addition to the historic deal that will bring the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas in 2031, Toland also led the state’s successful recruitment of one of the largest economic development projects in state history, the $4 billion, 4,000 job Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto. Not only has Toland led very large projects, but he has also focused on grassroots community-led development such as revitalizing buildings on Main Streets, creating upper-floor housing in downtown districts, and investing in the Rural Champions program that strengthens Kansas communities.

This ongoing wave of economic momentum was spurred by a complete overhaul of the Department of Commerce led by Lt. Governor Toland. This included getting Kansas re-engaged internationally, championing regional approaches to economic development, and placing a new emphasis on growth and quality of life in rural communities.

Toland has extensive experience in urban and rural economic development, having worked at the local level in both Washington, D.C., and in his hometown of Iola in Allen County. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Kansas.