TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Friday announced she has appointed Craig Knutson as the new executive director of the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns.
“Craig Knutson’s extensive experience in the disability field will be an asset to Kansans with disabilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am confident that his leadership will benefit the State of Kansas and bolster our support network as we work to deliver quality programs and services while empowering Kansans with disabilities.”
The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns provides policy recommendations to the State of Kansas on changes to laws, regulations, and programs affecting people with disabilities. KCDC focuses on partnerships, information, and referral at the state, regional, and local level to ensure Kansans with disabilities are equal citizens and equal partners in society.
“Our state has a long history of being an innovator empowering Kansans with disabilities to be equal citizens and equal partners in Kansas society,” said Craig Knutson. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Governor’s Office and our policymakers as the commission continues its great tradition and mission as a catalyst for change in government for all people with disabilities.”
Knutson has more than 30 years of experience in the disability field. Prior to this appointment, he served as a research project manager at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities where he was involved in several research and grant projects. He previously served as the policy analyst for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) and self-advocacy coordinator for the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK). Knutson earned degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from Kansas State University.
