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.
“Rhiannon’s leadership experience and her deep roots in this community make her an incredible choice to lead GO Topeka into its next chapter,” said Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “She has a proven ability to bring people together, drive economic growth, and champion the vision of a stronger, more connected Topeka.”
Neal Spencer, Chair of the GO Topeka Board of Directors, added, “Rhiannon is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leader we need. Her background in both city development and private-sector collaboration gives her a unique perspective that will serve GO Topeka and our region well.”
“Rhiannon’s return to GO Topeka is more than a homecoming, it’s a strategic step forward for our organization and our community,” said Stephanie Moran, Interim President of GO Topeka and SVP of Innovation. “Her collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and deep commitment to Topeka’s future make her the ideal leader to guide our economic development efforts into a new era.”
Friedman shared her enthusiasm for returning to GO Topeka: “I’m honored and excited to rejoin this incredible team at such an important time for Topeka’s growth. GO Topeka has always been a catalyst for opportunity, and I look forward to building on that legacy to help shape an even brighter future for our community.”
Rhiannon Friedman will assume her new role as President of GO Topeka on October 27, 2025.
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About GO Topeka
GO Topeka creates county-wide economic success for all companies and citizens through implementation of an aggressive economic-development strategy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of the community. GO Topeka operates under the Greater Topeka Partnership and is the leading economic development agency in the area. For more, visit GoTopeka.com.