Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission accepts executive director's resignation, appoints hiring subcommittee

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission on Jan. 22 voted to accept the resignation of Executive Director Mark Skoglund, place him in a transitional role with limits on public advocacy, and form a subcommittee to conduct the search for a new executive director.

Commissioner Berger moved that the commission accept the resignation effective immediately and that the separation date be as stated in the letter — Feb. 15 — while Miss Bull Stewart remain as general counsel and staff functions and investigations continue during the transition. The motion, as amended, passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the commission asked its general counsel and staff to carry the agency's day-to-day and legislative duties while it searches for a new executive director. Commissioners said the arrangement is intended to preserve ongoing investigations and budgetary work yet limit who formally represents the commission to the legislature and in public forums.

During discussion, Skoglund opposed aspects of the motion, saying it would restrict the agency's ability to pursue legislative work he considered necessary. "I would encourage the commission to reject it," Skoglund said, arguing that he had planned his leave to participate in upcoming budget hearings and that winding down certain investigations would be counterproductive. Commissioners and staff replied that the motion had been amended to carve out budgetary and legislative responses consistent with the commission's annual report and to allow staff counsel to handle specified advocacy with chair consultation.

The commission clarified several points before voting: Skoglund will transition into a limited, transitional role and is not authorized to speak on behalf of the commission, including to give legislative testimony or post on social media on behalf of the agency. The motion states that if an action normally taken by the executive director is needed during the transition, the matter would be brought to the commission in an emergency meeting so it may be addressed by the full body. Investigations that have not reached a formal complaint stage may be closed out in consultation with the staff member prosecuting them, but active investigations and day-to-day operations will continue under staff and counsel oversight.

The commission also designated a hiring subcommittee — Commissioners Ramirez, Klassen and Jackson — to lead the search for a replacement and said it hopes to interview candidates in the week before the commission's Feb. 26, 2025 meeting. Commissioners said staff and at least one commissioner will participate in candidate interviews for other open positions as needed; interviews for a separate SSI coordinator/auditor position were already scheduled.

Commissioners and staff discussed guardrails for legislative and budget advocacy during the transition. The commission empowered its general counsel and designated staff (identified in discussion as Caitlin) to handle legislative and budgetary communications consistent with the annual report and to consult the chair about any matters that might require broader commission action. The chair said the commission can call emergency meetings if last-minute testimony or fiscal-note work is required.

The vote was taken by voice; commissioners signified approval by saying "aye," and the motion passed. The commission adjourned after confirming the subcommittee membership and the Feb. 26 meeting date.

"We accept the resignation effective immediately, that the separation date will be as stated in the letter of February 15," the motion's sponsor stated during the meeting. Director Skoglund said later, "I don't think that that motion has any understanding of what happens across the street," referring to the agency's legislative engagement and budget responsibilities.

The commission thanked Skoglund for his service at the meeting's close and instructed staff and counsel to maintain agency operations during the leadership transition.