Joshua Jefferson

Jun 16, 2025

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…

Laura Lombard

Jun 9, 2025

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.…

Matthew Godinez

Jun 9, 2025

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…

Bridgette Jobe

Jun 9, 2025

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…

Trisha Purdon

Jun 9, 2025

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…

Romaine Redman

Jun 9, 2025

Romaine Redman serves as the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer for the Kansas Department of Commerce. He oversees the alignment of the Office of Innovation’s initiatives with the state’s broader economic goals, drawing upon his expertise and partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure the department plays a vital role in…

Craig VanWey

Jun 9, 2025

Robert North

Jun 9, 2025

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…

Patrick Lowry

Jun 9, 2025

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…

David Toland

Jun 9, 2025

David Toland is the 52nd 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…