David Kerr is a 1976 graduate of Avila who majored in economics and business administration. He is currently working as the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Kansas. In this role, he supports the economic development of Kansas and its citizens. He has the opportunity to travel around the state and meet with business leaders and Kansans as well as greeting representatives of other countries. He oversees the state’s efforts to create jobs, promote international trade, market travel and tourism in the state, develop communities, market Kansas’ agricultural products, and develop the state’s workforce. Prior to assuming his responsibilities as the Secretary of Commerce, David completed a 28 year career with SBC and AT&T, culminating with his last assignment as the President – AT&T Kansas.

As a student at Avila, David was a member of the basketball team. While David attended Savior of the World High School, Bill Waris was his coach. Waris went on to become Avila’s first head men’s basketball coach and he recruited David to Avila. In addition to sports and classes, David served as the residence hall director of Carondelet Hall, putting him in both a position of responsibility and leadership. After graduation, he went on to work in the admission and financial aid offices as well as assisting with the basketball soccer team.

In addition to his job responsibilities, David has been very active in the community as a volunteer and leader. He has served as a board member of the Jayhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Greater Topeka, Topeka Performing Arts Center, and Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and was the 2006 Chairman of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Board. Kerr also served on the Advisory Board for Kansas State University’s College of Business and Kansas University’s School of Engineering Advisory Board. Currently, he serves as a board member of the Kansas State Fair, Kansas Post Secondary Technical Education Authority, Kansas Inc., Kansas Energy Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and the Capper Foundation Easter Seals.

David’s favorite memories about Avila are of its people and faculty and the warm reception of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. He credits the values and culture of Avila to helping prepare him for his business life and family life. David and his wife Mary live in Topeka. Their son Douglas and his wife live in St. Louis, Missouri. Their daughter Alicia lives in Durham, North Carolina.