TOPEKA – The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee appointed members to the group’s four advisory panels: Health and Education, Economic Revitalization, Connectivity, and Efficiency and Modernization.
The advisory panels will gather information and feedback from Kansans, using that input to prepare proposals within each issue area for the most effective statewide distribution of federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to Kansas through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of March 2021.
“I am confident that each advisory panel will develop comprehensive ARPA funding proposals for strategic investments where they are needed most,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate all advisory panel members for committing their time and energy into building a stronger economy for future generations of Kansans.”
“This outstanding group of advisory panel members from throughout Kansas will help us equitably allocate ARPA funds in truly impactful ways,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Working together, we’ll pursue thoughtful investments in our economy and quality of life for all Kansans.”
"I am grateful for all who have agreed to serve on the advisory panels to help guide our ARPA funds in a way that will have a long term positive impact on the lives of Kansans," Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said. " Each brings a unique area of expertise, and I am looking forward to working with them to identify ways we can best invest these important dollars into the Kansas economy."
“This is the right group to have around the table to make these important investment decisions," Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman said. "They bring the business and policymaking experience we need to ensure the state’s economic turnaround.”
The members of each advisory panel are as follows.
Economic Revitalization
The Economic Revitalization Advisory Panel will consider issues related to economic development and will seek to make investments with long term impact for the Kansas economy.
Kansas Representative Sean Tarwater
Kansas Senator J.R. Claeys
Kansas House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer
Tien Hyunh, entrepreneur/business owner
Andrew Nave, executive vice president, Greater Wichita Partnership
Lona Duvall, president, Finney County Economic Development Council
Tim McKee, CEO, Olathe Chamber of Commerce
Brett Leopold, vice president, ITC Great Plains
Sam Sackett, VP of government relations, Spirit AeroSystems
Matt Condon, CEO, Bardavon Health Innovations
Ryan Flickner, senior director of advocacy, Kansas Farm Bureau
Health and Education
The Health and Education Advisory Panel will consider issues related to social services, education, and improving the health and wellness of Kansans.
Kansas Representative Kristey Williams
Kansas Senator Renee Erickson
Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dina Sykes
Robyn Chadwick, VP operations, behavioral health, Ascension Via Christi
Raphael Wahwassuck, Tribal Council member, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Dr. Jarvis Collier, senior pastor, Pleasant Green Baptist Church
McClain Macklin, director of policy and strategic initiatives, Health Forward Foundation
Kathe Decker, former lawmaker
Shawn Sullivan, CEO, Midland Care Connection
Connectivity
The Connectivity Advisory Panel will consider issues related to broadband and IT infrastructure.
Kansas Senator Mike Peterson
Kansas Representative Adam Smith
Kansas Senator Tom Hawk
Tiffany Anderson, superintendent, Topeka Public Schools
Stanley Adams, director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development
Ed Taylor, principal/CEO, UES Consulting Services, Inc.
Brian Vulgamore, business manager, Vulgamore Family Farms
Paul Truitt, VP of field operations, Cox Communications
Molly Kocour Boyle, president, AT&T Kansas
Efficiency and Modernization
The Efficiency and Modernization Advisory Panel will seek opportunities to modernize and improve government services.
Kansas Representative Troy Waymaster
Kansas Senator Michael Fagg
Kansas Representative Kathy Wolfe-Moore
Tanya Heffel, chief technology officer, OITS
Joe Mandala, CIO, KBI
Frank Burnam, director, Office of Facilities and Property Management for State of Kansas
Michael Wilkes, city manager, Olathe
Mark Hutton, retired CEO and former legislator
Matt Billingsley, former Kansas Department of Revenue
Shane Mathis, CEO, Ally RNG
Additional information about the SPARK Committee, ARPA or the Governor’s Office of Recovery can be found at https://covid.ks.gov.