Gov. Sam Brownback and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer announced changes in their top staff positions Monday.
Landon Fulmer, the governor’s chief of staff since 2012, will step down Jan. 5 to become vice president of state affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. He will be replaced by Jon Hummell, who previously served as policy director in Brownback’s office.
“Landon has been an integral part of my team for many years, both in Kansas and in Washington, D.C.,” Brownback said in a statement. “I am grateful to him for his leadership and commitment to serving the people of Kansas. We will miss Landon and wish him well in this new endeavor.”
Meanwhile, Chuck Knapp has been named the new chief of staff in Colyer’s office, replacing Mark Dugan, who stepped down in March to manage the Brownback-Colyer re-election campaign.
Knapp, a longtime Republican staffer, has previously worked in communications in the Brownback administration in the Department of Administration and the Department for Children and Families. He will continue his role as deputy secretary of operations and public affairs at DCF in addition to his duties in Colyer’s office.
Dugan has announced plans to start his own firm, Dugan Consulting Group, a public affairs firm that will focus on campaign management, grassroots advocacy and government relations.
“Jon and Chuck have been valuable members of my team and I have confidence they will continue to bring a passion for serving Kansans to their new roles,” Brownback said.