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Commerce Secretary Toland appointed Lt. Governor

By Madison Parry

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has said she will appoint current Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland as the state’s new Lieutenant Governor. Toland will fill the role following the vacancy of Lynn Rogers who was designated as State Treasurer.

A political shift in roles in Kansas has led to the announcement of another appointment by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

Image courtesy Kansas Office of the Governor

Current Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce, David Toland, will soon fill the role of Kansas Lieutenant Governor after an announcement from Kelly revealed her intention to appoint Toland following the January 2021 vacancy of the position.

The news of Toland’s appointment follows one made last week by Kelly, who announced her decision to appoint current Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers as Kansas State Treasurer.

“Replacing Lynn Rogers is no small task, but of all the candidates I considered, David is ready to hit the ground running in his new role,” Kelly said in a news release. “I have been impressed throughout his tenure as Commerce Secretary by his enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to economic development and business recruitment. I look forward to our continued partnership as he takes on his new responsibilities in the Lieutenant Governor’s office.”

For now, Toland will continue to serve as Commerce Secretary, even after his swearing in as Lieutenant Governor in January.

“David and I have worked closely over the past two years on our shared initiative to lead the Office of Rural Prosperity,” Rogers said in the release. “I am impressed by his work ethic and his commitment to improving the lives of Kansans statewide. I know that he will make an excellent Lieutenant Governor and that he will smoothly transition into the new role.” 

A number of Kansas officials, businesses and others showed their support of Kelly’s decision in selecting Toland, including T-Mobile Director of State Government Affairs, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m deeply honored to serve Governor Kelly and the people of Kansas in this additional capacity as Lieutenant Governor, and to continue the important work launched by Lieutenant Governor Rogers with the Office of Rural Prosperity,” Toland said in the release.  “Jobs and economic growth have never been more important than now and building on the tremendous gains of the economic development team at the Department of Commerce will continue to be my focus going forward.”