Governor Laura Kelly announced today Mark Burghart as her choice to lead the Kansas Department of Revenue. Burghart will take over for Mark Beshears who led the agency for an interim period.
“I’m pleased to have Mark Burghart on board to lead the Department of Revenue for my administration,” said Kelly. “His experience, knowledge and skills will be critical to addressing the significant challenges facing the department.”
Burghart is a partner at Alderson, Alderson, Conklin, Burghart, Crow & Slinkard, LLC, in Topeka where he is responsible for litigation of state tax matters. He is also an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law teaching local and state taxation. Burghart is rated A-V by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards. He is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court and U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the state and federal courts of Kansas.
“I am honored to be selected by Governor Kelly to lead the Department of Revenue and its dedicated employees during this important time,” said Burghart. “I look forward to working with the governor as she seeks to restore the fiscal integrity of the State of Kansas.”
Previously, Burghart served as general counsel of the Kansas Department of Revenue for seven years. He started his career in the Kansas Legislative Research Department as a research analyst. Burghart is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He earned his law degree in 1979 from the Washburn University School of Law and his Masters of Laws in Taxation degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1984.
“I’m grateful that Mark Beshears was willing to lead this agency for an interim period,” said Kelly. “He provided experience and stability during a challenging time of transition.”
Governor Kelly submitted Burghart’s paperwork to the Senate for confirmation today. In addition, she also submitted to the Senate, David Toland for Commerce, Julie Lorenz for KDOT, and Lee Norman for KDHE. More secretaries will be submitted for confirmation in the coming weeks.