Jim McLean

Vice President for Public Affairs

Photo of Jim McLean

Jim McLean, vice president for public affairs, oversees the KHI News Service and the production and dissemination of KHI publications. He also directs the institute’s media relations. Prior to coming to KHI, McLean had a distinguished career as a journalist, serving as the news director and Statehouse bureau chief for Kansas Public Radio and a managing editor for the Topeka Capital-Journal. During his more than 20 years in Kansas journalism, McLean won numerous awards for journalistic excellence from the Kansas Press Association, regional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. In 1997, McLean and two Capital-Journal colleagues received the Burton W. Marvin News Enterprise Award from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism for a series of stories on the state’s business climate. McLean holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washburn University.

Recent Work

Former surgeon general says America suffering from too much politics, too little prevention

Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona lived up to his reputation for outspokenness during an appearance here Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Kansas Health Foundation.

UPDATED - School vending machine requirement to proceed

Beverage industry had asked for a delay in guidelines restricting soda pop sales

The Kansas State Board of Education on Wednesday voted to stick to a scheduled Aug. 1 implementation of a new vending machine policy despite a request from the beverage industry for a delay.

Kansas officials named to national health reform steering committee

Heads of KHPA and the state insurance department tapped for consortium posts

Insurance Commissioner and KHPA chief tapped for national health reform steering committee.

Tease photo

New report outlines Kansas consequences of health reform

Independent actuary's study of the new law commissioned by KHPA

The likely consequences of federal health reform for Kansas are detailed in a new report scheduled for public release Tuesday during a meeting of the Kansas Health Policy Authority board.

Tease photo

Child care licensing bill approved

Regular inspections and more training for child care workers

Bleary-eyed members of the Kansas House early Tuesday morning approved legislation requiring that all day care homes in the state be inspected and licensed.

Fate of day care proposal remains uncertain

Late-session drama surrounds a measure to tighten the regulation of day care homes in Kansas.

Tease photo

Work continues on day care regulation measure

Differences remain over supervision requirements

Legislators trying to work out a compromise on legislation to tighten regulation of day care facilities are closer to agreement but running out of time.

Agreement may be near on primary seat belt bill

Legislators working on last-minute transportation issues are near agreement on a measure to strengthen the state’s seat belt law.

Clock ticking on bill for tighter day care regulation

Supporters of a bill to strengthen regulation of day care providers said they hope there is enough time remaining this legislative session for a newly appointed conference committee to finish its work on the measure.

Tease photo

Kansas health foundations evolving

Stronger advocacy role adopted by some

Efforts to get the statewide smoking ban through the Legislature show new advocacy approach of some of the state's health foundations.

View all work