Mar 17, 2025
Bill Abston serves as the Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development. He will oversee the state’s 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. Abston has proven…
Read MoreOct 11, 2024
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…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
Joshua Jefferson serves as the Deputy Secretary of Business Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, where he oversees business attraction, retention, expansion, and strategic economic initiatives across the state. Jefferson leads a high-performing division focused on driving private sector capital investment, job creation, and fostering a business-friendly environment. His…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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.…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
Kelsey Haile currently serves as Special Assistant, providing strategic support for the Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce. Prior, Kelsey served as the Operations and Logistics Coordinator for two years within the Department of Commerce before being promoted. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration with a certificate in…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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 sub-divisions that include Kansas Main Street, Community Development Block Grants, The Office of Rural Prosperity, The Office of Broadband Development, and Quality Places Specialists.…
Read MoreSep 24, 2024
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…
Read More
English 
Español 
日本語