OLATHE, Kan. (AP) A former top executive at Topeka-based Payless ShoeSource has been chosen to head the Kansas Bioscience Authority.
Authority officials announced the selection of Duane Cantrell as president and CEO on Tuesday. He’ll replace David Vranicar, who became interim president after former president and CEO Tom Thornton resigned under pressure in 2011.
The Kansas Bioscience Authority is charged with investing in and nurturing new companies in the biosciences and life sciences fields.
Cantrell is currently the managing partner of a retail consulting firm. Before that he spent 26 at Payless ShoeSource, where he was president from 2001-2004.
Authority Board chairman Dan Watkins says Cantrell became a candidate after serving as a consultant in recent months. Watkins said Vranicar would stay on with KBA in a capacity to be determined.
