City Manager Robert Layton on Friday announced the hiring of Ken Evans as Strategic Communications Director.
The Strategic Communications Director is the City’s top communications position, charged with developing, managing, and evaluating innovative, strategic and proactive public communications plans that support the City’s mission, vision and goals.
Specifically, Evans will develop and implement comprehensive communication plans, serve as the chief media strategist and spokesperson, work closely with policymakers and stakeholders, evaluate and measure communications activities and create an organizational structure for the Communications Division among other responsibilities. He will report to Layton in the City Manager’s Office.
“We are very fortunate to have Ken Evans join the City of Wichita team,” Layton said. “His extensive background in the industry uniquely qualifies him to lead our Communications Division. He will help enhance our communication efforts and collaboration.”
Evans has extensive experience in strategic communications and journalism. He’s worked as an executive consultant; a Senior Communications Manager at Spirit AeroSystems; Director of Communications for Jackson County, Missouri; News and Video Producer for a news production company in Lawrence; Vice President of Public Relations for Hinkle Agency in Topeka; Public Information Officer for the Kansas Department of Commerce; and a Statehouse Reporter for WIBW-TV in Topeka. He has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
The City’s Communications Division includes the Public Information Office, Marketing, Government Relations, Legislative programs and the City7 staff.
