Former Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Trent Armbrust has been named to lead the newly created Office of Innovation in the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland made the announcement Wednesday, shifting Armbrust from his previous post of Director of Strategy for Bioscience and Technology in the department.
Before taking that role with the Department of Commerce, he spent seven years leading the Manhattan chamber’s economic development efforts.
“Trent possesses a broad knowledge of innovation in our economy, which along with his practical experience as an economic development professional make him the perfect fit for this position,” Lt. Governor/Secretary Toland said. “Trent is the ideal person to help us drive forward in implementing the Framework for Growth and keeping our eyes on future opportunities.”
Also announced yesterday, fellow Kansas State alum Abby Works was named Toland’s Chief of Staff. She has been an agribusiness development coordinator with the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
