A former Chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thornton currently serves on its 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.

 

“To continue building the Kansas economy, it’s important that the Department of Commerce continue its success in two critical areas: searching for and closing deals with business prospects looking to locate in Kansas, and improving our outreach in emerging foreign markets like India, Brazil and Taiwan," Governor Parkinson said. "Bill’s experience in leading both private industries and Kansas’ higher education institutes, provide him the skills and vision to make significant progress toward both of these goals. He’ll be a great voice for Kansas not just throughout the country, but across the globe.”

Additionally, Thornton currently serves as the Atchison Hospital Association’s Board Chair, on the University of Kansas’ Multicultural Scholars Board of Advisors, as the Vice President of Citizens for Community Action of Atchison, and as a Board Member and District Leader for the Midori Yama Budokai Martial Arts Association.

Thornton was appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius in 2007. He currently serves as a member of the Fiscal Affairs and Audit Committee and previously served as the Chair for the Board’s CEO Assessment Committee.

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.

Thornton will begin work as Acting Secretary on Nov. 9; the Governor’s Cabinet is subject to Kansas Senate Confirmation.