Eric L. Sexton, PhD

Eric L. Sexton, PhD, is a respected strategist and government relations professional with more than 25 years of experience shaping policy outcomes, building coalitions, and advancing strategic initiatives across Kansas. Known for his ability to forge trusted relationships with legislators, state agencies, and local officials, Eric has guided numerous public and private organizations through complex policy and funding landscapes to achieve tangible, lasting results.

As a government affairs consultant with Foulston Siefkin LLP’s governmental affairs and public policy practice group, Eric applies his deep legislative insight and strategic communication skills to help clients navigate state and federal processes. His approach to advocacy emphasizes collaboration, clarity, and credibility — qualities that consistently position his clients for success. During legislative sessions, he is a frequent presence in Topeka and a contributing author to Kansas Legislative Insights, offering analysis and perspective on emerging policy issues.

Before his work in consulting, Eric spent more than two decades in senior leadership at Wichita State University. As executive director of government relations and later director of athletics, he strengthened the university’s influence and visibility, elevating it to national recognition for directed federal appropriations and overseeing one of the most successful eras in Shocker athletics history.

Eric’s commitment to public service extends beyond his professional work. He currently serves on the boards of the Kansas Historical Foundation, Friends of Cedar Crest Association, and Phillips Fundamental Learning Center Board. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Eric to the Presidential Commission for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He recently served on the Wesley Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Derby Community Foundation, and the Prairie Dunes Country Club Board of Trustees. His past civic engagement includes leadership roles with the Kansas Golf Association, United Way of the Plains, Visit Wichita, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, and Wichita Foundation. He was a founding member of Real Men, Real Heroes and has contributed to organizations such as the Sedgwick County Zoo and Kansas Learning Center for Health.

Eric earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Kansas, focusing on public policy and public administration, as well as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Bachelor of Business Administration from Wichita State University. His leadership and service have been recognized through numerous honors, including Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know (2024), the Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs’ Alumni Award for Outstanding Public Service, and the National Association of Directors of Athletics Athletic Director of the Year award.

With a proven record of legislative insight, strategic communication, and results-oriented leadership, Eric remains a trusted advisor to organizations seeking to engage effectively in the public arena and make a lasting impact through thoughtful policy strategy.

Eric is an avid golfer who competes in amateur events at the regional and national levels. He also enjoys hunting quail and pheasant and spending time exploring Kansas with his wife of nearly 40 years, Kathy.

Education

• University of Kansas (PhD in Political Science, 2002)
  Areas of Concentration: Public Policy and Public Administration
• Wichita State University (MPA, 1992)
• Wichita State University (B.B.A. in Management, 1987)

• Government Affairs & Public Policy Law
• Renewable Energy, Electric Storage & Transmission

• Ingram's annual 50 Kansans You Should Know honoree, 2024
• State Law Resources, Vice chair, Midwest region, 2024-present
• Alumni Award for Outstanding Public Service, Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, 2015
• Athletic Director of the Year, National Association of Directors of Athletics, 2013-2014
• Young Alumni Award, WSU Alumni Association, 2003
• U.S. Presidential appointment to Commission for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2002-2003
• Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award, 2000
• National Security Forum, U.S. Department of Defense, June 1999
• Leadership Wichita, 1995

• Elizabeth H. King, Eric L. Sexton, and James J. Rhatigan. Perspectives on Fundraising. New Directions for Higher Education, No. 149, Spring 2010. pp. 65-71.
• Burdett Loomis and Eric Sexton. “Choosing to Advertise: How Interests Decide.” in Allan J. Cigler and Burdett A. Loomis, eds. Interest Group Politics, 4th ed. Washington, DC: CQ Press. 1994.

• Kansas Historical Foundation, 2022-present
• Friends of Cedar Crest Association, 2022-present
• Derby Community Foundation, Board of Directors, 2021-2023
• Prairie Dunes Country Club, Board of Trustees, 2021-2023 
• Wesley Medical Center Board of Trustees, 2015-2022
• Kansas Golf Association, Board of Directors, 2016-2019
• United Way of the Plains Campaign Cabinet, 2015-2016; Board of Directors 2005-2008
• NCAA D-I Golf Championships Committee, 2013-2016; Chair 2015-2016
• Native Sons and Daughters Board Co-Chair, 2015
• Visit Wichita, Board of Directors, 2012-2016
• Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Board of Directors, 2010
• Kansas Golf Foundation, Board of Directors, 2008-2010
• Founding member, Real Men, Real Heroes, 2006-2010
• Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, Board of Directors, 2006-2009; 2023-present
• Wichita Community Foundation, Board of Directors, 2005-2008
• Kansas Learning Center for Health, Board of Trustees, 2001-2004
• Sedgwick County Zoo, Board of Trustees, 2000-2005

2025

• Is Federal Redistricting Coming to Kansas? Possible Special Session of Kansas Legislature This Fall