Governor Laura Kelly announced three changes in her office based on her personal preferences.

The changes were announced on Jan 22 through a news release by her office. 

The Three Changes

She added three personalities in the Department and divisions, based on personal preference and for their unwavering commitment and work throughout the years.

The first change is made to benefit the state’s agricultural industry which is at the top position in generating revenue. 

Kelly announced Josh McGinn as the assistant secretary of agriculture at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam extended his welcome to Josh and said the department was fortunate to have his leadership due to his agricultural background and the commitment he has shown while serving in the Governor’s office.

McGinn has been a part of Kelly’s administration for five years. He was one of the first employees of the Rural Prosperity Office and then became a senior policy analyst and also the deputy director for Budget and Policy. His recent post was as the policy director in the governor’s office.

His experience of working at the state’s Office of Rural Prosperity would provide the department with a solid foundation of support to the farmers in their business.

In his five years, he had helped in launching the Office of Rural Prosperity, to look after the tax, agriculture and water policies.

She thanked him for serving and dedicating his life to the people of Kansas and termed him as an invaluable member of her office who would be missed.

The second change was shifting former representative Jim Gartner to the Government’s Affairs Division as a part of her administration.

He will join the Division as a legislative liaison. He has served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for 7 years and an additional 4 years as a member of the House Tax Committee.

His years of serving in the Kansas legislature earned him the opportunity to join her administration and would serve as an important communicator in the administration’s legislative needs.

The third change was adding Rachel Bell as a policy analyst in the Government Affairs Division.

Rachel has already been a part of Kelly’s administration, serving as an intern and later becoming a constituent services coordinator.

She thanked the governor for extending her an important role in the administration’s Affairs Division as she determined to support the government affairs team.

The three were honoured to be allowed to serve Kansas because of their expertise and dedication to working for the people of the state.