TOPEKA–Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today announced recent appointments to boards and commissions. They include a Hays resident and two other people from western Kansas.
“I want to thank these men and women for making the decision to serve fellow Kansans with their time and talents. Kansas will be a better place because of their dedication,” said Governor Brownback in a news release.
The Governor’s Office is always looking for qualified, interested Kansans to serve the state on commissions and boards in their areas of expertise. If you are interested in serving on a commission or board, please visit https://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments.
State Civil Service Board
The Civil Service Board hears appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas Civil Service Act, as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board. The governor appoints 5 members to the board. There shall be one member from each congressional district and the remainder from the state at large. All members serve a four-year term and
must go through Senate confirmation.
· Allen Schmidt, Hays, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. Schmidt received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University, and a second master’s degree from the United States Army War College. He served as the first president of the Kansas Dairy Association, represented the 36th Senate District from 2011 to 2013, and spent 32-years as an officer in the Army Medical Service Corps.
Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training
The commission oversees law enforcement officers in Kansas. They may suspend, revoke, or deny the certification of a police or law enforcement officer and they also provide accredited instruction to officers. There are 12 members on the commission, with the governor appointing 10. The commission is made up of law enforcement officers, sheriffs, chiefs of police, county/district attorney, and a member of the general public. All members serve a four-year term.
· James Jarboe Jr., Lakin, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. Jarboe earned his associate’s degree from Garden City Community College. He is Sheriff of Kearny County and Chief of Police in both Lakin and Deerfield.
· Amy Mellor, Great Bend, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. Mellor received her J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. She is currently the assistant county attorney in Barton County.
Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
This board determines, advocates for, and promotes the best interests of juveniles in Kansas. The members review juvenile justice policy, advises policymakers on issues affecting the juvenile justice system, and strives to keep Kansas in compliance with the federal JJDPA Act. The governor may appoint 20 to 33 members. Membership should include individuals in law enforcement, attorneys, the judicial system, former juvenile offenders, youth members, and individuals knowledgeable in the field of juvenile justice. All members serve a four-year term.
· Robert Hanson, Topeka, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. Hanson received his bachelor’s degree from Cumberland College, and his master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves as executive director for Topeka Youth for Christ.
· Don Evans, Harper, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. Evans is the deputy sergeant for Harper County.
· Willie Lazone Grays, Topeka, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. Grays earned his associates degree from Washburn University. He is currently the nonprofit administrator of IBSA, Inc.