At DRiWaterstone, our executive search experts are lucky to work with a diverse group of purpose and mission-driven clients and candidates who want to make an impact on a local, state, national, and global scale.
We recently reconnected with Romaine Redman who we helped place as Chief Innovation Strategy Officer with the Kansas Department of Commerce. We asked Romaine to tell us a bit more about the organization, what he loves about working in the innovation space, and his experience working with our executive search team.
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DRiWaterstone (DRiW): Tell us about the Kansas Department of Commerce and your role there.
Romaine Redman (RR): The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) is the State of Kansas’s lead economic development agency, responsible for driving economic growth across the state. As the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, I oversee the development and coordination of the state’s innovation ecosystem while ensuring alignment with the Kansas Framework for Growth, the comprehensive document outlining the state’s economic development strategy. My role involves ensuring that all initiatives and programs adhere to the goals and benchmarks set in the Framework, enabling the agency to meet its targets and deliver measurable economic impact. This alignment supports sustainable growth, fosters innovation, and strengthens Kansas’s competitive position in key industries.
DRiW: What are you most excited about as you get started in this role?
RR: I see this role as a promise of the future. The Kansas Office of Innovation (KOI), in this form, is a relatively new addition to the Kansas Department of Commerce, and this position is newly created. What excites me most is the opportunity to shape and build something transformative from the ground up, laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and innovation that will benefit the state well into the future.
DRiW: Your last few roles have been focused on innovation. What excites you about this space?
RR: The ethos of innovation lies in embracing newness—introducing fresh ideas, products, services, and approaches to both the market and the community. Static or unchanging systems don’t resonate with me, which is why I’m drawn to the dynamic nature of this field. Being at the forefront of driving new ideas and bringing transformative concepts to life aligns with my passion for innovation and underscores why I am deeply committed to this role and its potential for shaping economic development.
DRiW: Talk about your experience working with DRiWaterstone – what stood out to you during the hiring process?
RR: What stood out most was the personalized approach and dedication of the team. It’s rare to have a managing director work directly with you, but what truly set the experience apart was the patience and diligence displayed throughout the process. The team maintained constant communication—whether through texts or phone calls—making the experience highly personal and collaborative. This wasn’t just a transactional relationship, even though we all recognize the business environment we operate in. Their focus, commitment, and willingness to engage on a personal level made a significant difference and played a pivotal role in getting me to where I am today.
DRiW: When it comes to supporting you throughout the process, was there anything that the team did to really help you feel comfortable?
RR: I’m originally from Canada, and before moving to Kansas, I had never visited, driven through, or experienced the state in any way. After everything was finalized, the DRiWaterstone team went above and beyond by dedicating an additional hour to discuss the challenges of moving to a new country and how to prepare for the transition. They recommended connecting with another employee who had recently relocated to Kansas from Florida, which provided valuable insights and support. This personal touch underscored their genuine care—not just for finding the right fit for the position but also for ensuring my smooth transition into the role and the community. Their thoughtful approach truly made a lasting impression on me.
DRiW: What advice would you have for somebody looking for roles either in the innovation space or in the economic development space?
RR: The essence of innovation lies in embracing newness, which means being unafraid to venture into uncharted territory. From my perspective, credibility in the field comes from your willingness to explore the unknown and take calculated risks. If you see an opportunity that aligns with your passions, interests, or areas you want to grow in, don’t hesitate—pursue it with confidence and curiosity.
From a professional standpoint, economic development—particularly innovation-based economic development—is a dynamic and expansive field filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact. It’s essential to recognize your unique skills and what you bring to the table. Trust in your education, experience, or a combination of both, and believe in your ability to succeed. If you’re prepared and committed, go after your goals with determination and confidence.
DRiW: What’s next for the Kansas Department of Commerce?
RR: Growth is our clear next step. We have a defined mandate to deliver transformative progress for the State of Kansas, and our focus is on aligning the various teams to ensure that in 2025, we are operating at full capacity. Our team is strong, with key positions filled by highly capable individuals who bring the expertise and drive needed to achieve results. In addition, we benefit from a leadership team that not only has a clear vision and ambitious goals but is also actively engaged and supportive in helping us succeed. With this cohesive strategy and unwavering focus, we are well-positioned to deliver impactful outcomes for Kansas.
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At DRiWaterstone, we have the pleasure to work with some of the best purpose and mission-driven clients and candidates in the nonprofit and social impact space. To learn more about how we can help you build your high-performance teams and drive growth, email us – we’d love to talk!
