Citing his dedication to Kansans and ability to work through tough challenges, both in the Legislature and in his community, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has named Representative Dennis McKinney as State Treasurer.
"Dennis has not only served his constituents admirably, but the entire state of Kansas," Sebelius said. "His experience over the past 16 years and familiarity with state budget issues prepare him well for this new office. He's a strong leader who cares about the obstacles Kansans face and his perspective will be very beneficial as we navigate through this time of financial adversity."
Kansas statute provides that where there is a vacancy in the office of State Treasurer, the Governor fills the vacancy by appointment for the duration of the term. McKinney will fill the unexpired term of Lynn Jenkins once her resignation becomes effective. The office will be on the ballot with other statewide officials in November, 2010.
McKinney will oversee an office that currently has 39 employees and an annual operating budget of $3.5 million. Key programs in the office are Bonds Services, Cash Management, Unclaimed Property, the Housing Loan Deposit Program and the Kansas 529 Education Savings Program, which has more than 118,000 accounts with total assets of nearly $2 billion. The Treasurer's office is a fee-funded agency. As State Treasurer, McKinney will also serve as a member of the Kansas Public Employee's Retirement System and the Pooled Money Investment Board. In the past, he served as a member of the Kansas Development Finance Authority under Governor Mike Hayden.
Currently, McKinney represents the 116th district, which includes Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, North Harper, and Southeast Ford counties. He was appointed to the House of Representatives in May, 1992 and has been re-elected the last eight terms. He was elected as House Minority Leader in 2002 and serves on the State Finance Council, Calendar and Printing Committee, Interstate Cooperation Committee, and the Legislative Coordinating Council.
Prior to serving in the State Legislature, McKinney served as a Kiowa County Commissioner from 1989 to 1992. McKinney obtained his bachelor's degree in political science in 1982, and his master's degree in public finance/administration in 1984, from Wichita State University.
McKinney is a farmer and stockman in Kiowa and Comanche counties. He and his wife Jean have two daughters, Kelly, who attends Kansas State University, and Lindy, a sophomore at Greensburg High School.
In addition to his new duties as State Treasurer, Sebelius has asked McKinney to remain the key community contact in coordinating state efforts to rebuild Greensburg.
