TOPEKA–A western Kansas man is among several people recently appointed by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to boards and commissions.
Local Food and Farm Task Force
The Local Food and Farm Task Force is responsible for preparing a local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations in order to increase locally grown food production. The Governor appoints three of the seven members, including the chairperson. This task force sunsets on Dec. 31, 2015.
· Ron Brown, Fort Scott, is being appointed to serve as chairperson for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Brown been self-employed on his family farm for more than 50 years and currently serves as an executive board member for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).
· Loren Swenson, Concordia, is being appointed to serve as a member for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Swenson received his B.S. from Kansas State University. He owns and operates Prairie Produce, a local produce market and health food store in Concordia.
· David Coltrain, Garden City, is being appointed to serve as a member for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Coltrain received both his B.S. and M.S. from Kansas State University and currently works as an Extension Agent for the university’s Research and Extension Office in Finney County.
Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The advisory board is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state’s economy and create creative industry-related jobs.
· James Southwell Jr., Overland Park, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Southwell is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He received his B.A. at Luther College and his D.O. at the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City.
Kansas Propane Education and Research Council
The council develops programs and projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training and to educate the public about the safety and environmental aspects of propane. There are ten members on the council with the governor appointing nine. Membership is made up of retail marketers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and public members. All members serve a three year term.
· Aimee Tempera-Parks, Goddard, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Tempera-Parks received her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and currently serves as General Manager for Max’s Welding Supplies in El Dorado.
Fire Service Training Commission
The Fire Service Training Commission provides traveling instruction service to train firefighters in the jurisdictions of the state requesting such instruction. The governor appoints all twelve members. All members serve a four year term.
· Kevin Flory, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He currently serves as a Training Officer for the City of Topeka Fire Department.