Kansas Department of Labor

Helpful

Kansas State Library Job & Career Accelerator

Be sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook to get the fastest news and updates about KDOL.

KDOL Social Media Policy

The Kansas Department of Labor

Karin Brownlee
Kansas Secretary of Labor

"It is a great privilege to be appointed Secretary of Labor. We recognize the importance of the services that KDOL provides, and we will work hard to ensure timely and efficient assistance to all Kansans."

Mission Statement
Agency Philosophy and Values
Vision
Secretary Karin Brownlee
Open Records Act

The Department of Labor was created by 2004 Executive Order Number 31. Prior to that time, the department was named the Kansas Department of Human Resources. KDOL is administered under the direction and supervision of the secretary of labor who is appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate.

KDOL has many important responsibilities. The agency administers the Unemployment Insurance Program and processes claims for unemployment benefits. KDOL operates the state’s Workers Compensation system and enforces Kansas employment standards including wage and hour laws and child labor laws. The agency also houses a research unit that compiles critical data on employment in Kansas.

Mission Statement

We advance the economic well being of all Kansans through responsive workforce services.

Agency Philosophy and Values

We are committed to providing quality, accessible and responsive services to all Kansans. Our work is characterized by:
Politeness and common courtesy
Dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity for each other and for those we serve
Stewardship of public resources
Integrity and ethics in every aspect of our work
An emphasis on quality and accountability
Sound public policy
Clear communication
Collaborative partnerships
Cost effectiveness

Vision

We envision a Kansas where diverse people of wide ranging talents and vital enterprises prosper in a resource rich state.

Secretary Karin Brownlee

Kansas Secretary of Labor Karin Brownlee served as a member of the Kansas Senate from 1996 to January 2011 when she was appointed Secretary by Governor Sam Brownback.

While in the Senate, she most recently served as chair of the Commerce Committee, vice–chair of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and as a member of the Assessment and Taxation, and Utilities Committees.

Brownlee was a member of the Leadership Kansas Class of 2003.

She graduated from Olathe High School and attended Kansas State University where she earned a B.S. in Microbiology. Brownlee has been active in her community, where she is part of the Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Association, Johnson County Research Triangle Authority, Olathe, Gardner and Spring Hill Chambers of Commerce, Olathe Rotary Club, Olathe South High School Site Council, Olathe Bible Church, P.E.O. and Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association.

She also has served as part of the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Foundation, Johnson County Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board, Governor's Council on Tourism, Workforce Network of Kansas, Kansas Small Business Development Centers – State Board and Johnson County Research Triangle Board.

The Brownlee family are all K–Staters. Karin and her husband Doug live in Olathe. Their two daughters, Melissa (stepmother/mother to eight daughters) and Betsy are married. Their son Justin lives in Fayetteville, AK, and son Jeff is a sophomore at Kansas State.

Kansas Department of Labor
401 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66603-3182
(785) 296-5000