Bill Murphy
Deputy Secretary 
Kansas Department of Commerce

Bill Murphy is Deputy Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Working with Governor Kelly and Secretary Toland, he leads the efforts to drive the growth of existing businesses in Kansas and recruit new businesses into the state. He oversees the Business, Community and International development divisions, as well as the Bioscience/Technology and Marketing and Communications divisions. He has over 20 years of experience in leading change in economic development organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, he served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce where he led a team of professionals to execute the Tulsa’s Future program, the region’s economic development strategy. He also served as the Executive Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and held various leadership positions in local and regional economic development in Southwest Ohio. During his career, he has worked on projects totaling more than $2 billion.

Bill is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio earning his BA in Political Science and a Master of Urban/Public Administration. He has earned certifications as both a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and as an Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council (NDC). Recently, Bill completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program, a consortium of Clemson University, Texas Christian University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Southern Mississippi, earning the Master Practioner in Economic Development designation.

He is a member and Board member for the Kansas Economic Development Alliance, member and former board member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), and a member of IEDC, where he serves on the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) Advisory Committee.