To promote Kansas’ travel and tourism industry, Governor Parkinson has appointed Suzan Barnes, Scott Redler and Don Sayler to the Kansas Council on Travel and Tourism.

“From the beautiful landscape in the Flint Hills to the shopping and dining in Wyandotte County, Kansas has a wide range of things to offer residents and visitors alike,” said Parkinson. “This council plays an important role in maximizing our travel and tourism opportunities, which is a critical part of the Kansas economy, and I am grateful to these three Kansans for their service.”

Barnes, Cottonwood Falls, has over 40 years of hospitality and travel agency experience and currently works for Grand Central Hotel L.L.C. as the company’s owner and general manager. Prior, Barnes worked for Nova Travel Agency and was the senior vice president of Travel Teller International. In addition to serving as president of the Cottonwood Falls Retail Merchants Association, Barnes has chaired the Chase County Conventions and Tourism Committee and the Cottonwood Falls Streetscape Revitalization Program. Barnes has been appointed to serve as a representative of the Travel Industry Association.

Redler, Wichita, is the vice president and chief operating officer for Freddy’s Frozen Custard L.L.C., where he has worked since 2002. Previously, Redler served as the vice president of Timberline Steakhouse and Grill L.L.C. in Wichita and as a senior member of management for Latour Management, Inc. Redler has been appointed to serve as a representative of the restaurant industry.

Sayler, Wichita, is the president and chief executive officer for the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association where he oversees investments and day-to-day business operations of multiple companies. Prior, Sayler worked for P.M.M., Inc., heading the company’s accounting department and handling financial operations and banking activities. He has served as the former director for the United Way of the Plains, and as a member of the Flint Hills Beef Fest, Inc. and the Lyon County State Bank Board. Sayler is a state-certified public accountant and attended Emporia State University for his undergraduate degree. He has been appointed to the council to serve as a member representing the lodging industry.

The governor has also reappointed Sheila Lampe, Piqua, to the council as a public member. The Kansas Council on Travel and Tourism promotes the development of new tourist attractions in Kansas and the expansion of existing tourist attractions. The council also helps the Kansas Department of Commerce promote Kansas’ attractions and improve the travel industry within the state.