Governor Kelly Announces Administration Appointments; One Local Man Appointed

Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday 29 appointments to the following state boards, commission, committee, and cabinet.

Kansas Children’s Cabinet

Purpose: To assist the governor in developing and implementing a coordinated, comprehensive service delivery system to serve the children and families of Kansas.  

Governor’s Appointment:  

• Lori Blake, Assaria 

Board of Healing Arts

Purpose: To regulate eleven health care professions and ensure that these health care professionals meet and maintain certain qualifications in order to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct, and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas. 

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Monica Murnan, Pittsburg (reappointment) 

• Mark Balderston, Shawnee (reappointment) 

• Tobi Jeurink, Olathe 

• Travis Rickford, Colby 

Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training

Purpose: To set and enforce the standards of training and certification for Kansas law enforcement to promote professionalism, accountability, and public trust. 

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Darren Chambers, Peck 

• Mike Kagay, Topeka 

• Roger Soldan, Salina (reappointment) 

• John Merchant, Hiawatha (reappointment) 

• Jody Prothe, Olathe (reappointment) 

Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame Selection Committee

Purpose: To induct members into the Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame.  

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Ty Dragoo, Topeka 

• Andrew Meek, Wichita 

State Board of Veterinary Examiners

Purpose: To promote the health, safety, and welfare in relation to the practice of veterinary medicine by examining and licensing applicants. 

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Susan Nelson, Manhattan 

• Amy Ekerberg, Newton (reappointment) 

Wichita State University Board of Trustees

Purpose: To manage property, estate, and funds given, both transferred and pledged, to Wichita State University. 

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Dan Rouser, Wichita (reappointment) 

• Keith Lawing, Wichita (reappointment) 

• Susayn Brandes, Wichita 

Kansas Dental Board

Purpose: To adopt rules, issue licenses, and conduct hearings to revoke or suspend licenses.

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Jonas Lichty, Wichita (reappointment) 

• Rachael Wiebe, Wichita (reappointment) 

• Davette McCoy, Wichita (reappointment) 

Board of Barbering

Purpose: To eliminate all acts performed by the barbers that may cause harm or injury to the public; to ensure that only qualified, well-trained barbers and barber instructors are licensed; to ensure that all shops and salons are properly operating with barber shop licenses; and to provide information to the barbers concerning all technical, medical, and scientific data that may enhance the protection of the public. 

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Shalana Daugherty, Topeka (chairperson) 

• Rashan Carter, Wichita 

Interim Board of Nursing

Purpose: This Board is charged with protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Kansas through the licensure and regulation process of nursing professions. Following the passage of House Bill 2528, the governor may appoint interim board members to serve from July 1 until the beginning of the 2027 legislative session. A permanent board will be named at that time.  

Governor’s Appointments:  

• Joben Rieth, Hays 

• Dr. Ruth Burkhart, Overland Park 

• Dr. Amy Garcia, Overland Park 

• Tosha Fields, Cimarron 

• Ashley Weber, Holton 

• Troy Spain, Lenexa 

• Belinda Katz, Bucklin