Iolan David Toland has been appointed Acting Secretary of Commerce by Gov.-elect Laura Kelly.
Toland, CEO of Thrive Allen County, will leave that position Friday.
Toland served as Kellys campaign treasurer.
In his 10 years with Thrive, Toland has been instrumental in taking it from an all-volunteer staff to an organization known nationally for its health and wellness initiatives in rural communities. Today, Thrive has 10 full-time employees and a $1 million operating budget.
Tolands new job in Topeka begins Monday.
Kelly, in an interview with the Topeka Capital-Journal, lauded Toland, as well as Julie Lorenz, whom she appointed as interim secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Julie Lorenz and David Toland are an impressive addition to our dynamic team, Kelly said. They both represent what this administration will be about: experience, energy and new ideas.
Thrive announced in a news release the search for a permanent replacement has begun. Bill Maness, Thrives economic development director, will replace Toland as CEO on an interim basis.
