Topeka ? Members of the Kansas Board of Regents elected a new chairman and vice chairman during their Thursday meeting.

Gary Sherrer, of Overland Park, was elected as chairman and Ed McKechnie, of Arcadia, was named vice chairman.

Sherrer is a former lieutenant governor and state commerce secretary. He was first appointed to the board in 2007.

McKechnie is the executive vice president for strategic development and the chief commercial officer for Watco Companies Inc., in Pittsburg. He served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1991 to 2001. He was appointed to the board in February.