Howard R. Fricke

As Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Howard R. Fricke heads up the state’s lead economic development organization. The mission of the Department of Commerce is to empower business and communities through bold leadership using strategic resources to realize prosperity in Kansas. Fricke oversees the state’s efforts in creating jobs through business recruitment and expansion, agriculture marketing, workforce development, community development, international trade, and travel and tourism.

Prior to being Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Fricke was secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration, the central service resource for Kansas government functions.