Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Sam Coleman as the incoming Director of Communications for the Office of the Governor.

Previously, Coleman worked on the Elizabeth Warren for President campaign serving as the South Carolina Communications Director and Communications Lead in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Prior to the Warren campaign, he held positions on campaigns in Florida, Philadelphia, Alabama, New Mexico, and Mississippi. Additionally, he served as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama and as Assistant Communications Director for Governor Terry McAuliffe in Virginia.

Coleman is a native of Virginia and a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Department of Commerce has named outgoing communications director Dena Sattler as its Senior Director of Public Affairs. In this role, Sattler’s primary focus will be growth and recovery communications as the state addresses economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sattler will spearhead strategic media interaction and messaging centering on Commerce ventures, especially the statewide Framework for Growth. She will work closely with Governor Kelly’s newly formed SPARK Taskforce and Recovery Office and continue assisting in coordination of Cabinet agency communications needed in the growth and recovery process in Kansas.

“I’m pleased to have Sam join our team and take on this critical role as we work to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and move forward in our recovery effort,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank Dena for her outstanding service to our state and I wish her all the best as she transitions to her new role in the Department of Commerce.” 

“It’s an honor to be called on to assist in our state’s growth and recovery efforts in this unique position,” Sattler said. “Throughout my career I’ve welcomed new challenges, and look forward to the vital work of helping people and businesses in Kansas connect with opportunities as we tackle economic challenges caused by COVID-19 head-on.”