Patrick George, '79
Asked by Governor Sam Brownback in November, 2010, Pat George was confirmed by the state Senate in February, 2011 to serve as Kansas Secretary of Commerce. In this post, Pat leads the state’s premier economic development organization in its mission to empower and bring prosperity to individuals, businesses and communities. Pat oversees the Department’s efforts to create jobs through business recruitment and expansion, workforce, rural and community development as well as international trade.
Pat is a native Kansan, who brings a wealth of business and public service experience to the Department. A true entrepreneur, Pat spent 25 years starting and building numerous successful business ventures in southwest Kansas, from his family’s automobile dealership to real estate development to professional sports. He is a partner in PATS Real Estate Management, GPL Real Estate Company and Reggie Jackson Enterprises. Pat also provided leadership to G&G New Car Dealerships, Nueterra Equities, Dodge City Steaks and the Dodge City Legend Professional Basketball Team.
In public service, Pat served six years in the Kansas House of Representatives. During this time he was chairman of the Committee on State Employee Pay Plans and vice-chairman of the Vision 2010 Committee. In addition, Pat served on the Committee on Economic Development & Tourism, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and vice-chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures Health Committee. Pat is past president of OLG Parish Council and the Dodge City Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Currently, Pat serves as chairman of the Valley Hope Association Board of Directors and as a member of the KS Bio-Science Authority Board.
Pat graduated from Dodge City High School in 1974 and attended St. Mary’s of the Plains College, also in Dodge City. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in Atchison in 1979. Pat and his wife Lori have three children, twins Thomas and Anna, 17; and Maris, 14. Pat’s hobbies include reading, fishing, biking and classic cars.
