Iola’s David Toland was appointed lieutenant governor Monday by Gov. Laura Kelly.
Toland replaces outgoing Lynn Rogers, who last week was named state treasurer, replacing Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner.
For Rogers, it was a lateral move. For Toland, who for the last two years has served as Secretary of Commerce, it’s a promotion of untold proportions, speaking volumes about his potential to serve Kansas now and into the future.
“Of all the candidates I considered, David is ready to hit the ground running in his new role,” Kelly said in a press release. “I have been impressed throughout his tenure as Commerce Secretary by his enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to economic development.”
You don’t have to tell us.
As CEO of Thrive Allen County, 2008-2017, Toland turned a fledgling non-profit into a nationally renowned entity. Today, Thrive handles millions of dollars in grants that help communities across the state develop sustainable programs that improve their health and wellness with things such as rail trails, community gardens and dog parks; fight addictions; help people sign up with the Affordable Care Act, and simply get people to communicate.
In 2017, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded Allen County its top honor, naming it a Culture of Health Prize winner for its advancement in county health rankings. Of note, the county’s rate of uninsured went from 21% in 2013 to 9%. Allen County was the first in Kansas to win the prestigious designation.
Toland was also instrumental in economic development for Allen County, including bringing the necessary parties together in 2010 to construct a new hospital, completed in 2013.
Other development during his tenure included enticing a retail bike shop from Lenexa to set up a store here; converting Stub’s Market in Moran to the Marmaton Market, and bringing G&W Foods to town in 2017.
Key to Thrive’s success has been its intention to develop leadership wherever it goes, setting the wheels in motion and then letting area people take over from there.
That philosophy is what made the transition from Toland to Lisse Regehr as president and CEO of Thrive so seamless in 2018.
AS COMMERCE Secretary, Toland has overseen $2.4 billion in new capital investments for 2020, double that of 2019. And that’s during a pandemic.
Locally, he was instrumental in helping bring Peerless Products to Iola, a $10.5 million investment with an expected 125 additional jobs.
Perhaps because he’s been so successful, Toland will keep on as Commerce Secretary, “blending” in the responsibilities of lieutenant governor.
With the new post, Toland, age 43, is second in command to the governor. He’ll serve not only as Kelly’s ambassador, but also as a crucial sounding board. Kelly said she looks forward to “having him by my side.”
“No one works harder or has more energy than Secretary Toland,” Kelly said. “We are lucky to have him as a state.”
