Secretary David Toland Announces Agency Restructuring, Opens New Positions

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced agency-wide restructuring as part of ongoing rebuilding efforts. These actions include the rebuilding of both the Business Development and International Trade Divisions.

“Much of the structure that exists today at the Department of Commerce came in response to hasty budget cuts and ideologically-driven decisions that simply do not reflect best practices in economic development,” Secretary Toland said. “When you’re in the business of selling the state as a great place to do business, it makes no sense to eliminate much of your sales force, as happened under the previous administration. Governor Kelly and I are determined to do the difficult restructuring work at Commerce that will yield strong economic growth in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state.”

Two new positions will be created to align with the new structure:

• Business Development Division Director – The director will develop and administer programs designed to recruit and retain businesses within the state. They will lead a team of local and regional economic development professionals to grow and diversify the economy, while promoting the state as a desirable location to do business.
• International Trade Division Director – The director will design and lead the international investment and trade development strategy for the state, including opening new export markets for Kansas businesses and recruiting businesses seeking U.S. locations to the state.

Current Director of Business Development Susan NeuPoth Cadoret has announced that she will retire in December 2020. She is transitioning into a new role as special advisor to the Secretary, supporting Secretary Toland’s re-engineering of the Department.

“Susan is a committed and forceful advocate for Kansas communities and businesses, and she stepped up to the plate to hold our Business and Community Development functions together during incredibly difficult times in the agency,” Toland said. “I’m grateful to Susan for 20 years of service at Commerce and for her willingness to work closely with me in this new role as we return this agency to a national leader in economic development.”

Alicia Janesko Hutchings, who was appointed by Secretary Toland in June to lead the Business Recruitment team, will remain in that capacity.