Greater Topeka Partnership Announces Rhiannon Friedman as New President of GO Topeka

Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that following an extensive search, Rhiannon Friedman has been selected as the new President of GO Topeka. Friedman will officially begin her new role on October 27.   Friedman brings a deep understanding of Topeka’s economic and community development landscape to the position. She most recently served as the Planning and Development Director for the City of Topeka since 2023. From 2019 to 2022, Friedman held key leadership roles within the Greater Topeka Partnership, including positions at Downtown Topeka, Inc. and GO Topeka, where she helped lead major initiatives that strengthened the city’s business recruitment and retention strategies.  … Read More

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Topeka’s Momentum Takes Center Stage at 2025 State of the Community Event

On Thursday, November 6, hundreds of community members will gather at the Townsite Avenue Ballroom for the annual State of the Community event. This morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration shines a spotlight on the progress unfolding across Topeka and Shawnee County. The event brings together local leaders and changemakers to share updates and spark meaningful conversations about the future. Doors open at 7:45 A.M. for breakfast and networking, followed by a dynamic program beginning at 8:15 A.M. featuring remarks from Mayor Mike Padilla, Shawnee County Commission Chair Aaron Mays, and other civic leaders. “This event is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said… Read More

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Greater Topeka Chamber DC Fly-In 2025

From September 7–9, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce led a dynamic delegation of local business and community leaders to Washington, D.C., for a high-impact policy advocacy trip aimed at advancing Topeka’s long-term strategic priorities. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening relationships with federal policymakers and positioning Topeka for future growth through targeted legislative and funding support. The delegation met with members of the Kansas Congressional delegation and key federal agencies to discuss a range of initiatives critical to the region’s economic vitality and community development. These conversations centered on several core areas: Riverfront Development: Topeka is uniquely positioned to transform one of its greatest natural assets into… Read More

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Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee Announces Endorsements for 2025 Topeka General Elections

The Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) today announced its endorsements for the upcoming Topeka city general elections, supporting candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, a commitment to economic growth, and a vision for a thriving Topeka. The Chamber PAC is proud to endorse the following candidates: Spencer Duncan – Mayor of TopekaKaren Hiller – City Council, District 1Daisy Karimi – City Council, District 3Earl McIntosh – City Council, District 7Michelle Hoferer – City Council, District 9 “These candidates reflect the leadership qualities and dedication to community progress that Topeka needs right now,” said Natalie Haag, Chair of the Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee. “Each has shown a clear… Read More

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LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2026

Topeka, KS — The esteemed Greater Topeka Partnership program Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) is excited to announce that nominations for the class of 2026 will be accepted beginning Friday, August 1. Individuals living and working in Topeka/Shawnee County are invited to nominate local candidates they believe demonstrate exceptional leadership ability. Those driven to make a difference in their community may also nominate themselves. Nominations should be submitted online HERE or by visiting TopekaPartnership.com and finding “Leadership Greater Topeka” under the “Partnership Programs” tab. “Each year, participants in the Leadership Greater Topeka program are empowered with insight, connections, and confidence to grow in their own leadership development – both in their careers and… Read More

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Greater Topeka Partnership Names Molly Howey as New CEO

TOPEKA, Kan. — After an extensive national search conducted by executive search firm Winner Partners, the Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that Molly Howey has been selected as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. Howey, a seasoned economic development leader and longtime executive with the Partnership, will officially assume the role on August 4, 2025. “Molly’s leadership, passion, and vision for the future of Topeka and Shawnee County make her the ideal person to guide the Partnership into its next chapter,” said Dr. Shekhar Challa, Chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership board and CEO of Kansas Medical Clinic. “She has spent more than a decade delivering transformational economic… Read More

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Downtown Topeka Inc. Names Andrew Holt as New President

Downtown Topeka Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Andrew Holt as its next President. Holt brings more than a decade of experience in downtown development, strategic leadership, and community engagement to the position, most recently serving as Executive Director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. since 2023. Prior to his work in Lawrence, Holt led the Downtown Association of Yakima, Washington for six years, and served as Director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce in Dayton, Washington. He will officially step into the role on July 9, 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Holt to the helm of Downtown Topeka Inc.,” said Sean Dixon, Interim President of Downtown Topeka… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP RECOGNIZED IN TOP THREE FOR PRESTIGIOUS CHAMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Topeka, KS (June 5, 2025) — The Greater Topeka Partnership has been named a finalist for the 2025 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., with over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. The award, sponsored by GrowthZone, is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry, recognizing excellence in operations, member service, and community leadership. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and impacted key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity, and quality of life.… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ENGAGES WINNER PARTNERS TO LEAD NATIONAL CEO SEARCH

The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that it has selected Winner Partners, a nationally recognized executive search and recruitment firm, to lead the search for its next Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Winner Partners is a certified executive search firm with offices across the country specializing in serving nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and privately owned organizations. Winner Partners brings together elite search consultants and industry-leading subject-matter experts to deliver thoughtful and impactful leadership placements. The CEO search will be guided by a search committee led by Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President of Washburn University and a longtime champion of regional economic development. Dr. Mazachek will work closely… Read More

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MATT PIVARNIK TO DEPART GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP, ACCEPTS CEO ROLE WITH MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

After nearly a decade of transformational leadership in Topeka, Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), has announced that he will be leaving the organization to assume the role of President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce encompasses Partnership Grand Strand and Visit Myrtle Beach. Pivarnik’s final day with the GTP will be May 18, 2025. Pivarnik arrived in Topeka in 2016 as the CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, Topeka witnessed a historic era of collaboration, economic revitalization, and community growth. He played a pivotal role… Read More

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