Governor forms Kansas Innovation Consortium
Key industries to work together to continue state’s economic growth

To help Kansas stay competitive in the global marketplace, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed an executive order forming the Kansas Innovation Consortium (KIC).

“High-tech industries represent the fastest growing sector of our economy. Whether it’s our thriving aircraft industry, our emerging plant, animal and life sciences sector, or the barely-tapped potential of bio-fuels, Kansas has incredible assets,” Sebelius said. “By bringing leaders from these key industries together, we can chart a course for moving our economy forward.”

Executive Order 08-02 brings together key industry clusters within the Kansas economy. These industries, animal, plant, and life sciences, health, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and energy, show exciting possibilities for future economic growth. The Kansas Innovation Consortium will work to attract new investments in research and development within these industries as well as ensure a prepared workforce.

The KIC shall be comprised of ten members appointed by the Governor, including one representative from each of the key industry clusters and three at-large members representing important sectors of the Kansas economy. Members of the KIC shall serve at the pleasure of the governor, who shall act as the co-chair alongside Joerg Ohle.  

Ohle is president and general manager of Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division, North America. Bayer Animal Health manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals to treat diseases in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. As president and general manager, Ohle is responsible for management and strategic direction of the North American animal health business. He also serves as a member of Bayer’s worldwide Animal Health Management Committee.

Ohle holds a business degree from Bayer’s International Management School in Leverkusen, Germany.

Executive orders can be found online at http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/

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