Sebelius announces changes to Cabinet
Daniels and Fricke to retire, Governor names new SRS secretary

The team assembled to lead Kansas’ state agencies during her first term will remain largely intact in her second, Governor Kathleen Sebelius said today.

At a Statehouse news conference, Sebelius announced that only two Cabinet secretaries will be retiring at the end of her first term – Secretary of Social & Rehabilitation Services Gary Daniels and Secretary of Commerce Howard Fricke.

“We’ve had a great team these past four years, and I’m very pleased that the vast majority of the Cabinet will be staying on,” said Sebelius.  “At the same time, I understand Howard and Gary’s desire to retire and I thank them both for their outstanding service.”

“Gary and Howard have provided excellent leadership in their departments, doing more with less in order to increase the level of service to Kansans,” Sebelius said.  “Howard’s business experience and Gary’s commitment to helping the vulnerable residents of our state will both be missed.”

Sebelius named Don Jordan, who currently serves as commissioner of the Juvenile Justice Authority, to succeed Daniels at SRS. 

“Don has done an excellent job at JJA, working to help the juveniles in his agency’s custody stay out of the criminal justice system.  I’m happy he’s agreed to take on this new challenge by becoming SRS secretary and am confident the Senate will agree that he’s the right man for the job,” said Sebelius.

A search for a new commerce secretary, as well as a new JJA commissioner, is underway.

Additionally, Sebelius said she intends to submit Kathy Greenlee’s name to the Kansas Senate for confirmation as Secretary of Aging.  Greenlee currently serves as acting secretary.

“Kathy has an outstanding knowledge of the challenges facing older Kansans from her service as long-term care ombudsman and from the time she has served as acting secretary.  I encourage the Senate to confirm her quickly,” said Sebelius.

Cabinet officials are confirmed by the Senate and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  A list of Sebelius’ second-term Cabinet as it currently stands appears on the next page.

Sebelius will be sworn in for her second term as Governor on January 8, 2007.

Governor Sebelius’ Second-Term Cabinet

Information as of December 8, 2006

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