TOPEKA–Several western Kansans are among recent appointments to state boards and commissions announced Tuesday by Gov. Brownback.
“I’d like to thank these Kansans for being involved in their communities. They spend many hours working together and sharing their expertise to serve fellow Kansans,” said Brownback in a news release. “Their contributions make our state a better place to live.”
Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board
The board determines which casino contract best maximizes revenue, encourages tourism, and otherwise serves the interests of Kansans. There are seven members on the board, with the governor appointing three. No more than four members shall be of the same political party. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
· Jack Bower, Atchison, is being appointed serve as chair of the board at the pleasure of the governor.
Radiologic Technology Council
The council assists the State Board of Healing Arts in carrying out the provisions of the Radiologic Technologists Practice Act. There are five members on the council with the governor appointing three. All members serve a four-year term.
· Linda Croucher, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. Ms. Croucher received her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, and her master of science in adult education from Kansas State University. She currently teaches as an adjunct professor and clinical instructor at Washburn University.
State Rehabilitation Council
The Council works in partnership with Rehabilitation Services at DCF to help assure that the Vocational Rehabilitation program is consumer oriented, has sufficient resources, and has quality employment outcomes. Members serve a three-year term.
· Shelia Nelson-Stout, Bennington, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Nelson-Stout earned her bachelor’s degrees at Marymount College. She also serves on the Employment First Workgroup for The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and sits on the Board of Directors for InterHab, a statewide organization of developmental disability service providers.
· Heather Sasse, Athol, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Sasse received her bachelor’s degree from Bethany College, and her master of science in K-12 school counseling from Fort Hays State University. She currently works as the Transition Coordinator for the North Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.
· Diana Stanfill, St. Charles, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Stanfill earned her bachelor’s degree and master of science from Kansas State University, and an educational doctorate from Lindenwood University. She currently serves as an Education Consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education.
· Ranita Wilks, Lawrence, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Wilks received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. She currently works as an Independent Living Skills/Peer Counseling Specialist and Youth Employment Program Coordinator for Independence, Inc.
· Christian Zuercher, Newton, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Zuercher received his bachelor’s from Emporia State University. He currently works as the Director of Vocational Services for Prairie View, Inc.
Kansas-Colorado Arkansas River Compact Commission
This Commission exists to settle disputes and remove causes of future controversy between the states of Colorado and Kansas concerning waters of the Arkansas river and their control, conservation, and utilization for irrigation and other beneficial purposes. There are seven members on the Commission with the Kansas Governor appointing three. All members serve a four-year term.
· Randy Hayzlett, Lakin, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. Mr. Hayzlett is the former President of South Side Ditch, and currently sits on the association’s board of directors.
· Hal Scheuerman, Deerfield, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. Mr. Scheuerman earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. He works as a Field Assistant for Farm Service Agency Kearny County, and a Certified Federal Crop Adjustor.
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.
· Jeff Conrad, Sedgwick, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Conrad received a bachelor’s from Kansas State University. He currently works as the Energy Department Manager at Andale Farmers Cooperative.
· Jeffry Thompson, Ozawkie, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Thompson earned a bachelor’s of science in accounting from Avila University, and a bachelor’s of science in communications from the University of Central Missouri. He currently works as a consultant for Propane Resources in Mission, Kansas.
Kansas Animal Health Board
The Animal Health Board works with the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health to advise and assist with legislative initiatives and proposed rules and regulations. The governor appoints nine members to the board who represents major species or phases of the livestock industry, licensed cat or dog breeder, licensed veterinarian, auction markets, the swine industry, dairy cattle industry, and the beef cattle industry. All members serve a three-year term.
· Rey Armendariz, Scott City, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Armendariz earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. He is currently the Strategic Account Manager with Zoetis.
· Brandon Depenbusch, Great Bend, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Depenbusch received his bachelor’s degree and doctorate of philosophy in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University. He currently works at Innovative Livestock Services, Inc.
Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry
The board oversees and licenses optometrists in Kansas. The governor appoints all five members to the board. Out of the five members, one member must be from the general public. All members serve a three-year term.
· Ron Hansen, Hutchinson, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Hansen earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, and his doctorate of optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry.
· Gerad Lozada, Mission, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Lozada earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate of optometry from the University of Houston. He currently practices with Windmill Eye Associates in Overland Park.
Kansas Humanities Council
The Humanities Council is a private, non-profit cultural organization that promotes understanding of the history, traditions, and ideas that shape our lives and build communities. There are twenty-two members on the board with the governor appointing five. All members serve a three-year term.
· Sam Sackett, Wichita, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Mr. Sackett earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. He currently works for Spirit AeroSystems as a senior manager of global communications and government relations.
Kansas Firefighters Memorial Advisory Committee
The Firefighters Memorial Advisory Committee advises on matters concerning the memorial to Kansas firefighters on the state capitol grounds and makes recommendations regarding appropriate activities memorializing or commemorating the services of firefighters. There are nine members on the board with the governor appointing seven. All members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
· Mark Bradford, Lawrence, is being appointed to serve at the pleasure of the governor. Mr. Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Sterling College, and his masters of public administration from the University of Kansas. He is currently the Fire Chief for the City of Lawrence.
Slightly warmer than normal temperatures, frequently overcast skies and periods of fog especially during overnights will characterize the rest of the week. An approaching storm for the late weekend will bring chances for rain, and to a lesser extent snow by Sunday into Monday.
