To promote and advance Kansas’ higher education institutions, Governor Mark Parkinson has appointed Ed McKechnie to the Kansas Board of Regents.
The governor named McKechnie to serve the remainder of former member William (Bill) Thornton’s term which expires in June 2010. Thornton resigned after being named Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
“As a state legislator, business leader and lifelong Kansan, Ed has always been dedicated to promoting and improving all that our state has to offer,” said Parkinson. “Ed knows from his many years in business that a strong economy requires a skilled, educated workforce. He will bring a unique perspective to the Board of Regents as it continues its critical mission of upholding our higher education institutions.”
McKechnie is a former state representative and currently, the chief commercial officer for Watco Companies, Inc. During his tenure in the Kansas House of Representatives between 1991 and 2001, he served on a variety of committees, including Appropriations and the joint committee on Legislative Post Audit.
For the past 10 years, McKechnie has been with Watco Companies, Inc. based in Pittsburg, leading the transportation company’s business development, communications and government affairs divisions.
