Wichita – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed an executive order today establishing the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors.
“The economic future of Kansas depends on the growth of existing businesses and the development of new industries. Economic competitiveness requires a detailed understanding of regional, national and international economic conditions and trends,” Gov. Brownback said. “This Council will operate as a Board of Directors for economic development in Kansas, working closely with me to assure strategy integration, coordination and accountability across all of the state’s economic development-related initiatives and agencies.”
Governor Brownback will serve as the council’s chairman. The Council will have up to 20 members from various industries and business sectors.
“The individuals named to the council today have varied skills and backgrounds in business that will bring a good balance of ideas to the table,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “The Administration will rely on their expertise and experience as we move forward to create an environment in which Kansas companies can flourish and create jobs.”
The Council will have three main responsibilities:
- Coordinate strategic planning and economic development resources
- Evaluate state policies and agencies performances
- Conduct research on topics such as Kansas’ basic industries, tax competitiveness, and regulatory structure
“In addition to representing the diversity of our state’s economy, they also embody the different sizes, scopes and geographic nuances that will lend a new level of guidance and counseling to my administration’s efforts to lead our state through these tough economic times and will position us well into the future. I appreciate their willingness to give of their time, energy and knowledge for the betterment of our great state,” Brownback said.
Stan Ahlerich will serve as the Council’s executive director.
The Council members are:
Patti Bossert Services sector
Key Staffing, Topeka
Jody Horner
Agriculture sector
Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita
Gerry O’Shaunghnessy
Oil and Gas sector
Lario Enterprises, Wichita
Ivan Crossland
Manufacturing sector
Crossland Construction, Columbus
Cliff Illig
Healthcare sector
Cerner, Kansas City, MO
Bob Wheeler
Agriculture sector
Hills Pet Nutrition (retired)
Patty Koehler
Manufacturing sector
JR Custom Metals, Wichita
Jim Lewis
Services sector
Lewis Automotive Group, Hays
David Murfin
Finance/Energy sector
Murfin Drilling, Wichita
Larry Sevier
Services sector
Nex-Tech Wireless, Lenora
Dan Tasset
Healthcare sector
Nueterra, Leawood
Bob Page
Healthcare sector
University of Kansas Hospital
Jan Lyons
Agriculture sector
Nat’l Cattleman’s Beef Association
Manhattan
Steve Ortiz
Services sector
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Mayetta
Larry Jones
Agriculture sector
J O Cattle Company
Finney County Commissioner, Holcomb
Jeff Turner
Aviation sector
Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita