29 April 2005

Governor appoints three to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has announced the appointments of Stephen Martino as executive director, and William Falstad and Kristine McKechnie as commissioners, of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. The Senate confirmed their nominations today.

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission protects the integrity of the racing and gaming industry through enforcement of Kansas laws.

“Kansas has a long tradition of horse and greyhound racing. We need to maintain the viability and integrity of that industry, and I’m confident these appointees will do just that,” said Governor Sebelius.

Martino, Topeka, currently practices law at Foulston and Siefkin, LLP. He was a special advisor to Commissioner Sebelius at the Kansas Insurance Department and a staff writer for the U.S. Department of State. Martino received his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 2001 and received his undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas.

Falstad, Fredonia, has been president of Kansas Bank Note Co. since 1963. He served as mayor of Fredonia for nine years. He has been a member of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 1992, and has served as board member of the First National Bank in Fredonia since 1975. Falstad received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

McKechnie, Pittsburg, is the director of development at Southeast Kansas Education Service Center-Greenbush. She has been at Greenbush since 1998 when she was a coordinator until her promotion to her current position in 2001. Currently, she is a member of the Leadership Kansas Board of Trustees, City of Pittsburg Planning & Zoning Commission, and 11th Judicial District Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board. In 2000, she was chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Care, and in 2004 served as co-chairperson of Kids Voting Kansas in Crawford County. She is a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Kansas Quarter Horse Association. McKechnie received her graduate degree from Kansas State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas.