Secretary Bill Thornton Bill Thornton was appointed Secretary of Commerce on Oct. 30, 2009, by Governor Mark Parkinson. As Secretary, Thornton heads the state’s lead economic development organization in its mission to empower individuals, businesses and communities to realize prosperity in Kansas. Thornton oversees the state's efforts to create jobs through business recruitment and expansion, agriculture marketing, workforce development, community development, international trade and travel and tourism.   Prior to joining Commerce, Thornton served on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce for eight years as Chairman and a member of its Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Thornton has previously served in leadership roles at MGP Ingredients, Hallmark Cards and as an attorney with Duncan-Senecal Law Offices in Atchison.   Additionally, Thornton currently serves as the Atchison Hospital Association’s Board Chair, on the University of Kansas’ Multicultural Scholars National Board of Advisors, as the Vice President of Citizens for Community Action of Atchison, as a Board Member and District Leader for the Midori Yama Budokai Martial Arts Association and as President of the Trustee Board for Shiloh Baptist Church.   Thornton was appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius in 2007, as well as the Kansas Mentor’s Leadership Council and the Kansas Health Care Information Exchange Commission. He was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Kansas Long Range Transportation Plan by Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller.   Thornton received a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University’s School of Law. He and his wife, Rozetta, reside in Atchison. In his free time, Thornton enjoys horseback riding, karate, reading, and exercising.