Atchison attorney Bill Thornton will be named Kansas' acting secretary of commerce. Gov. Mark Parkinson announced his intention Friday to appoint Mr. Thornton, effective Nov. 9. The appointment is subject to Kansas Senate confirmation.

Mr. Thornton said his new state job is a 14-month tenure, subject to appointment by a current governor each elected term in office. Gov. Parkinson has already said that he didn't expect to seek election to a full term, Mr. Thornton said.

"I think it's a good thing," Mr. Thornton said of the appointment, and added that his experience as former chairman of both the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce will be an asset. He said in those roles he worked to develop better business and agricultural economies, as well as work-force development. Mr. Thornton added that a lot of those aspects parallel the commerce department's objective, which is to develop a growing economy.

Mr. Thornton's resume includes his service as a current board member of the Kansas Chamber, former lead roles at MGP Ingredients, Hallmark Cards, and as an attorney with Duncan-Senecal Law Offices. He is chairman of the Atchison Hospital Association, and serves as an adviser on the University of Kansas' Multicultural Scholars Board, vice president of Atchison-based Citizens for Community Action, and a district leader and board member for the Midori Yama Budokai Martial Arts Association.

He was appointed to serve on the Kansas Board of Regents by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007. Mr. Thornton received his bachelor's degree from Benedictine College and juris doctor from Washburn University's School of Law. He and his wife, Rozetta, reside in rural Atchison County.

Hand in hand with Mr. Thornton's new job came official notice that he will step down from his recent hiring as Atchison County counselor. He verbally informed Atchison County commissioners of his resignation Thursday.

Atchison County Chairman Tom Wagner said Mr. Thornton's appointment came as a surprise to county leaders, who recently hired him to fill the shoes of Leonard Buddenbohm, the county counselor who announced his intention to retire Jan. 31.

The new job will have a little more compensation than a part-time job with the county, Mr. Wagner said.

County commissioners expect to make a decision concerning an alternate hire.

"There are two other candidates we would be comfortable with," Mr. Wagner said.

Mr. Thornton indicated that he expected to practice law part time for the time being.

Mary Meyers can be reached at marymeyers@npgco.com.