TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she has made numerous staff changes, promoting team members who have been part of the Kelly administration for some time.
“I have built a team of talented and hardworking individuals who are committed to making life better for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Their dedication is instrumental to the success of my administration, and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.”
“The team Governor Kelly has assembled is uniquely qualified to move our state forward,” said chief of staff Will Lawrence. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done and am confident they will excel in these new roles.”
Ryan Wright will now serve as chief operating officer. Previously, he served as deputy chief of staff and acting secretary of labor. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University.
Kate Davis will now serve as deputy chief of staff for cabinet affairs. Prior to this, Davis served as director of regulatory affairs for Governor Kelly and as chief of staff for the Kansas House Democratic Leader. Davis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre stage management from Boston University and a Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology.
Ethan Belshe will now serve as deputy chief of staff for governmental affairs. Previously, Belshe was senior advisor for federal and state affairs to Governor Kelly and served as director of public affairs for the Office of Recovery. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas.
Zach Fletcher will now serve as director of regulatory affairs after serving as Governor Kelly’s deputy communications director. Prior to joining the governor’s office, Fletcher was the director of communications for the Kansas Department of Revenue. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University.
Dominique Sanchez will now serve as director of health and human services policy. Prior to this, she served as deputy director for policy – health and human services and policy analyst. Sanchez earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Zach Vincent will now serve as director of governmental affairs – education policy. Previously, he was deputy director for legislative affairs – education. Vincent earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis.
Conor Eubanks will now serve as director of governmental affairs – labor policy. Prior to this, Eubanks was deputy director for legislative affairs – labor and general government and served as the political director of the Kelly-Toland campaign. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University.
Caroline Sharp will now serve as health policy advisor. She previously served as healthcare access coordinator. Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from the University of Kansas.
Rachel Bell will now serve as policy advisor. Previously, she served in the Kelly administration as policy analyst and constituent services coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Oxbridge institutions and policy and international relations from William Jewell College and the University of Oxford.
