Sebelius appoints David Kerr to lead Kansas Dept. of Commerce
President of AT&T Kansas, Kansas Chamber, to promote state’s economic growth

For the past several years, the Kansas economy has been on an upswing, with steady job growth and a rise in both business and family incomes helping to bring prosperity to more Kansans.

To help continue that progress, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today appointed David D. Kerr to serve as commerce secretary. 

Kerr is currently president of AT&T Kansas and chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.  Pending Senate confirmation, he will replace Howard Fricke who announced his retirement at the end of last year.  

“During my administration, we’ve been very fortunate to have two great business leaders, John Moore and Howard Fricke, be willing to enter public service and lead the Department of Commerce.  They set a high standard, but I’m confident David will be able to meet that standard and bring the same excellent leadership to this critical post,” Sebelius said.

“David has great experience in business, in the community, and as chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.  That experience will be valuable as he carries out his new mission of building partnerships with businesses to help them create jobs and prosperity in our state.  He’ll be a great voice for Kansas around the nation and around the world,” she continued.

Kerr, Topeka, grew up on a farm near Ness City before attending Avila University where he received bachelor’s degrees in business administration and economics.  

In 1979, Kerr began working for Southwestern Bell, which was later renamed SBC.  Kerr was named president of SBC-Kansas in 2003, and continued to lead the organization after its 2005 merger with AT&T by serving as president of AT&T-Kansas.  

In 2006, Kerr was named chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and is also a regional commander of the Kansas Cavalry, a statewide business organization.  He has served the community through leadership roles with the Topeka Performing Arts Center, Topeka March of Dimes, Topeka United Way, Jayhawk Council Boy Scouts of America, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters and Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Kerr serves on advisory boards for the Capper Foundation, Kansas State University’s School of Engineering and the University of Kansas’ School of Business.

Kerr will assume his role as Secretary upon senate confirmation and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

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