30 March 2006
Governor makes appointments to promote Kansas tourism
Sebelius selects individuals from multiple communities with varying experience
With tourism playing an essential role in the Kansas economy, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed ten individuals to the Kansas Council on Travel and Tourism.
“Kansas has a lot to offer when it comes to travel opportunities,” Governor Sebelius said. “This council helps the Department of Commerce promote our state’s attractions and improve the travel industry within Kansas. That’s why it’s so important we bring together individuals with different expertise who reside in various cities across the state. It’s great to get different perspectives.”
The Kansas Council on Travel and Tourism promotes the development of new tourist attractions in Kansas and expansion of existing tourist attractions. In addition to the new appointees, Sabrina Symns, Hays, was reappointed to the council. All appointees will serve a three-year term.
Judy Billings, Lawrence, works as the director of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau and executive vice president of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. She has been a member of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas, I-70 Association and Kansas Film Commission. Billings received the 1992 Governor’s Tourism Award.
Bob Carmichael, Topeka, is the managing partner at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. He has over 18 years of experience in restaurant management and ownership.
Ken Corbet, Topeka, owns and operates the Ravenwood Lodge. In addition, he serves as the president of the Kansas Sport Hunting Association.
Ron Holt, Wichita, served in leadership roles at Westar Energy for more than 30 years. Currently, he is director of culture, entertainment & recreation for Sedgwick County. Holt is a board member for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters and Midway Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Sheila Lampe, Piqua, was the SEK INC programs and membership coordinator and executive director of Woodson County Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Kansas Image and Branding Task Force, SEK Cabinet member of the Prosperity Summit for Agritourism, and president of the Southeast Kansas Regional Tourism.
Scott Nichols, Ulysses, is the CEO of the Grant County Chamber of Commerce. He has also worked at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and Competitive Edge Rehab and Sports Medicine.
Olivia Reynolds, Wichita, serves as the vice president for the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau. Reynolds is a certified destination management executive and has 21 years of experience in the tourism industry.
Bryanna “Bry” Spafford, Belleville, is currently the director of the Republic County Economic Development Corporation. Previously, she was a travel manager for Hyatt Regency and Director of Sales at Cambridge Suites Downtown, both in Wichita.
Donovan “Butch” Stucky, Salina, has been the vice president of Retail Operations at Triplett Inc. since 1984. In this position, he oversees eight Travel Plazas across Kansas along the Interstate 70 corridor.
Dennis Vasquez, Topeka, is a 28-year veteran of the National Park Service. He has worked in 11 national parks and central offices around the country. Currently, he is the superintendent of the Brown V. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka. In addition, he is the state coordinator for the National Park Service in Kansas.
