TOPEKA – Derrick Sontag, Topeka, has been named state director for the Kansas chapter of the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP).

Sontag, who most recently served as Kansas state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), assumes the role Jan. 5. He will direct the organization’s efforts in lobbying the Legislature for limited budget growth, lower taxes and smaller government.

“Promoting free-market principles and protecting small businesses were key elements of my work at NFIB,” said Sontag. “Those ideals go hand-in-hand with the efforts of Americans for Prosperity, which makes this a natural transition.

“I look forward to continuing AFP’s mission of advancing economic freedom, and protecting Kansans from an ever-increasing tax burden.”

Immediate priories for Sontag will be recruiting additional grassroots activists, developing AFP-Kansas’ 2009 Legislative Agenda, and publishing another Model State Budget to help guide legislators in their budget decisions.

He succeeds Alan Cobb, who has led the Kansas chapter since its foundation in 2004. Cobb will become AFP’s National Director of State Operations.

“Derrick brings to AFP years of experience in public policy, grassroots activism and lobbying, and I wish him the best as he takes the reins as state director,” said Cobb. “I’m excited to work with him and the rest of our state directors nationwide as I begin my new role overseeing the operations of all AFP state chapters.”

# # #