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 development wins for this region, and I am confident she and the talented team at the Partnership will continue to accomplish great things together.”
Howey brings nearly 15 years of experience with GO Topeka, the Partnership’s economic development organization, where she currently serves as President. Since joining GO Topeka in 2011, she has played a central role in positioning Topeka as a destination for corporate investment, working with companies like Mars Chocolate, Walmart Distribution Center, Federal Home Loan Bank, Advisors Excel, HME, and Frito Lay to expand or relocate operations in Shawnee County.
“After an exhaustive national search and review of truly incredible talent, it became clear that the right leader for this moment is someone who already knows this community and has helped shape its momentum,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, incoming Chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership, Chairperson of the Search Committee, and President of Washburn University. “Molly is a proven leader. Her track record of successes in her role as President of GO Topeka, her deep commitment to Topeka’s continued progress and growth, along with her nearly 15 years of dedication to this organization make her distinctively qualified to take the helm.”
A graduate of Washburn University and the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, Howey earned her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016. She currently serves on the boards of the IEDC, Team Kansas, The Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and several local and regional community organizations. Her accolades include being named a Washburn University Fellow in 2021, a member of the Leadership Kansas Class of 2022, and recognition by both Ingram’s Magazine and Consultant Connect as one of the top economic development leaders in North America.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as the next CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership,” said Molly Howey. “Topeka is more than where I work, it’s where I’ve built my life, raised my family, and dedicated my career to driving positive change. I look forward to working with our partners, businesses, and community leaders to build on the strong foundation we’ve created and continue shaping a vibrant future for this region.”