"As the administrator of Kansas' Learning Quest plan, I am committed to continuously improving this program for Kansas families. Input from these financial experts across the state will lead to more innovative management of the program," said McKinney.

Those appointed to serve on the committee represent a broad cross section of Kansans from different financial backgrounds. Those serving on the committee are:

Raquel Meyer Alexander, Lawrence, CPA, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Kansas with her research focusing on higher education savings programs and financial literacy.

Michael Braude, Mission Woods, has been a Director of the Kansas City Life Insurance Company since 2006. From 1984 to 2000, he was President and CEO of the Kansas City Board of Trade. Mr. Braude also serves as a director of the Kansas City Board of Trade, Midwest Trust Co., Midwest Grain Products, Inc., and Hodgson Company. He is a past chairman of the National Grain Trade Council. He is a trustee of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement Fund, and a trustee of Midwest Research Institute.

Mollie Carter, Salina, is the CEO of Sunflower Bank. She earned a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College in 1984 and an MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1988. She also is a member of board of Archer Daniels Midland; member of the executive committee of Kansas Chamber of Commerce; member of the board of directors for the Greater Salina Community Foundation; and member of the board of Westar Energy.

Anderson Chandler, Topeka, is the Chairman & President of Fidelity State Bank & Trust Company and has owned the bank since 1958. Anderson has served as president of many community organizations. He currently serves on the KU Business School Advisors Executive Committee. He is a strong supporter of Washburn University of Topeka and in 2008 received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Commerce.

Jill Docking, Wichita, serves as Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. She has served as the Board's Vice Chair, as the Chair of the Fiscal Affairs and Audit Committee, and as a member of CEO Assessment Committee. In 1999, Docking founded the Financial Fitness Foundation and currently serves as President. In 1993, Docking became the first woman to receive a gubernatorial appointment to serve as Commanding General of the Kansas Cavalry, a statewide business organization. She has co-chaired Kansas, Inc., the Kansas Justice Commission, and the Kansas Children's Campaign.

Nancy Goodall, Topeka, J.D., LL.M., CTFA, is a Senior Vice President and Trust Officer with CoreFirst Bank & Trust. She is also an attorney and frequent lecturer in the areas of estate planning, investments, trusts, probate and taxes. She served as a research attorney for retired Chief Justice McFarland at the Kansas Supreme Court before practicing with Fisher, Patterson, Sayler and Smith law firm. She joined CoreFirst Bank & Trust in 2005 after spending almost twenty years in the trust banking area.

Suchitra Padmanabhan, Topeka, is a member on the Kansas Development Finance Authority and General Partner at BC Capital. Previously she worked for Security Benefit, Bankers Trust and Lehman Brothers. She holds an MBA in Analytic Finance from the University of Chicago and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Gary Sheerer, Overland Park, serves as the Vice Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. He has served as the Chair of the Board's Academic Affairs Committee and as the Chair of the State University Admissions Task Force. Sheerer is also serving as chair of the Midwest Cancer Alliance Advisory Board. Sherrer previously served as Kansas' 45th Lieutenant Governor from 1996 -2003. Sherrer is the longest-serving Lieutenant Governor in Kansas history.

Ruth Teichman, Stafford, is a member the Kansas Senate, representing the 33rd District since 2001. She was previously a member of the Stafford Board of Education for 20 years. Teichman serves as the Chair of the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Jeff Wagaman, Topeka, is a former Assistant State Treasurer of Kansas. Wagaman's public service career spans over 17 years. He is a graduate of Washburn University and has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He is currently the chief professional officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka.

The committee will provide advice on the performance and structure of the state's Learning Quest 529 education savings plan as well as take an active role in the annual investment performance review of the plan. This group will meet as called upon by the State Treasurer.

"Inviting more expertise to the table is just one step to making the Learning Quest Education Savings Plan a success for Kansas parents saving for their kid's future," said McKinney.

The Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program was created to help families invest for their child's continued education after high school whether at a traditional four year college, community college or technical/vocational school. Kansas taxpayers can receive a Kansas tax deduction up to $3,000 per child ($6,000 if married, filing jointly) on contributions to Learning Quest or any other state-sponsored 529 plan.

For more information about the 529 Advisory Committee please visit www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/529Committee. For general information about Learning Quest is available by calling 1-877-345-8837 or by visiting learningquest.com.

Matching grants for higher education savings are available for Kansas families that qualify, for more information visit www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/KIDS.