Alex Orel, a lobbyist at the Capitol for the last decade, is leaving the Kansas Bankers Association at the end of the month to start his own public affairs firm.
Orel is stepping aside from his post as executive vice president for government relations at the KBA on Oct. 31. A successor has not been announced.
“We are grateful for Alex’s dedication and service to Kansas banks and bankers since joining the KBA staff team in 2018,” said KBA President and CEO Doug Wareham.
“We commend him for playing a key role in advancing our association’s advocacy efforts at the Kansas Statehouse,” Wareham said in a statement.
“We wish him nothing but success as he embarks on the next chapter of his professional career.”
Orel is leaving to start his own public affairs and government relations firm called Citadel Public Affairs.
“I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the lifelong friendships I’ve built
while serving KBA and its members,” Orel said in a statement.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside Kansas bankers, advocating for policies that strengthen both the industry and communities across Kansas.
“I’m proud of the victories we’ve achieved together, and I’m grateful for the invaluable experience I’ve gained working with the outstanding KBA staff team.”
Orel’s work in state government can be traced back to 2012, when he worked as an intern for former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
He later worked in the Brownback reelection campaign and eventually served as the legislative liaison for the governor.
During Brownback’s reelection run, Orel managed 55 counties for the campaign.
In 2015, Orel became manager of government relations for the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, where he focused on state and federal legislative and regulatory policy.
He has bachelor’s in political science, business and entrepreneurship from Benedictine College.
