Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration is still in search of a new secretary of commerce, but a spokeswoman said they do not know how long the process could take.

“Our office is currently conducting interviews as we look to select a commerce secretary to join Governor Brownback’s efforts to make Kansas the best state in America to raise a family and grow a business,” press secretary Eileen Hawley said.

She said the administration does not have a time frame for announcing a nominee, and she did not disclose how many potential candidates have been interviewed so far.

The Department of Commerce is the state’s primary economic development agency. It has a $113 million annual budget and manages incentive programs aimed at bringing new businesses to Kansas as well as a number of workforce development programs.

The agency has been without a permanent chief since former Secretary Pat George resigned in July to accept a job to become president and CEO of Valley Hope Association, a nonprofit alcohol and substance abuse treatment center based in Norton.

Brownback initially nominated Leawood businessman George Hansen for the post. Hansen is president and CEO of the Enterprise Center in Johnson County, a venture development organization and early stage business incubator serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.

But Hansen withdrew on the eve of his confirmation hearing before a Senate committee, citing potential conflicts of interest because a member of his extended family has had extensive business dealings with the Commerce Department.