Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of State Scott Schwab have appointed a new Rice County Treasurer, Kristi Smith.

The evening of Feb. 18, the Rice County Republican Central Committee hosted a Replacement Convention to interview and vote between two quality candidates to replace the retiring treasurer, Rita Smith (no relation). 

Kristi Smith holds eight years of accounting experience within Kansas county treasurer offices in addition to 14 years of banking background. 

“I look forward to continuing to serve Rice County and its residents. The transition should be smooth and we will continue to provide the same quality of service,” she said. 

Smith originated in Barton County and is married to her husband of 30 years with whom she has two children, a daughter, soon to be graduating from Parker University, and a son, who graduated from Fort Hays State University.