To protect Kansas consumers, Governor Mark Parkinson appointed James Needham to the State Banking Board and reappointed John Smith as administrator of the Kansas Department of Credit Unions. Both appointees have been confirmed by the Kansas Senate.
“As we continue to recover from these difficult economic times, we must ensure that the integrity of our state’s financial institutions remains strong for the well-being of all Kansans,” said Parkinson. “I appreciate James and John bringing their extensive leadership and experience to these boards, and the Senate’s recognition of their qualifications.”
Needham, Troy, has nearly 50 years of banking experience, starting as a bookkeeper and loan teller, to becoming the president and CEO of local Kansas banks. He started the Valley State Bank in Atchison in 1969, and became the president, chairman of the board and CEO of the Troy State Bank in 1974. He graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s in business administration and from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisc.
The State Banking Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Office of the State Banker Commissioner. The board has responsibility for the approval of new charters and branches as well as other activities to ensure the integrity of regulated providers of financial services, while protecting and educating consumers.
Smith, Shawnee, has been the administrator for the Kansas Department of Credit Unions since 2006. He is also a former director of the Missouri Division of Credit Unions. Smith has served in leadership roles for the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors and was on the board of directors for the Wesley Medical Credit Union in Wichita. He received his master’s in science from Kansas State University.
The Kansas Department of Credit Unions regulates state chartered credit unions to protect Kansas citizens and credit union members from undue risk. The department’s objectives include ensuring the safety and soundness of credit unions and the monitoring of compliance with laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding the funds of credit union members.
Governor Parkinson also made appointments to the Kansas Works State Board and the Council on Travel and Tourism.
Kansas Works State Board
Parkinson has appointed Brian Threadgold, Topeka, to the Kansas Works State Board.
Threadgold is a business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union 226. He is also the president of Northeast Kansas Building and Trades and the State Association of IBEW. Threadgold is a former journeyman electrician after being receiving training from the National Joint Apprenticeship Program.
The Kansas Works State Board provides information to the governor, legislature, appropriate public and private agencies and the public on matters pertaining to employment and training programs, services and facilities. The board serves as the reviewing board for employment and training plans, serves as the advisory board for the Kansas public workforce system and assists the governor in setting policy direction for implementation of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Council on Travel and Tourism
Parkinson appointed Bridgette Jobe, Kansas City and Jan Stevens, Dodge City, to the Council on Travel and Tourism. Jobe is the current director of the Kansas City, Kansas – Wyandotte County Convention & Visitors Bureau. She was also the community director for Kids Voting Kansas in Wyandotte County and a past board member of the KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Jobe currently serves as a board member of the Kansas City Regional Destination Alliance and the Travel Industry Association of Kansas. She attended Fort Hays University.
Stevens is the director of Convention and Visitors Bureau for the City of Dodge City. Prior, she was district manager for the State of Kansas State Lottery, serving Southwest Kansas for the purpose of marketing and promoting. Stevens has used her many years of marketing and management experience to practice financial responsibility and promote valuable hospitality programs for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Council on Travel and Tourism promotes the development of new tourist attractions in Kansas and on the expansion of existing tourist attractions. The Council also helps the Department of Commerce promote the state’s attractions and improve the travel industry within Kansas.
