Governor Parkinson Names Transition Team

Press Release

Governor Mark Parkinson has tapped three key advisors to spearhead the transition with Governor-elect Sam Brownback. Parkinson has asked Lt. Governor Troy Findley and Chief of Staff Rae Anne Davis to serve as the primary Governor's office liaisons with the Brownback team over the next nine weeks as well as tapping J. Russell Jennings to serve as the Cabinet Transition Director.

"Both Sam and I are committed to a smooth transition so that Kansans will not see a delay in the delivery of state government services," said Parkinson. "I appreciate Troy, Rae Anne and Russ taking on this responsibility and my administration remains committed to providing any help we can to the governor-elect and his team."

Lt. Governor Findley, a former chief of staff to former Governor Kathleen Sebelius, was instrumental in the transition of administrations from former Governor Bill Graves to Kathleen Sebelius following her election as Governor. Current Chief of Staff Rae Anne Davis, a 15 year veteran of state government, will also serve as a primary liaison to the Brownback team as they build their governor's staff. Both Findley and Davis will continue to serve in their current capacities in addition to working on the transition.

Jennings, who has been Commissioner of the Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA) for almost four years, will focus solely on the transition. Jennings will serve as a liaison among the numerous incoming and outgoing cabinet secretaries in state government and help facilitate meetings among the two teams. He will be responsible for the exchange of important policy information, ensure tours are provided, and spearhead briefings. Given his tenure as a cabinet secretary and expertise in a complicated policy area of state government, he is an excellent choice to help the incoming administration. Dennis Casarona, current Deputy Commissioner of JJA, will serve as acting-Commissioner until the Governor-elect names a replacement.

Source