He highlighted achievements such as attracting/retaining over 11,000 jobs, over $1.2 billion in investments, development of commerce parks, major company relocations/expansions (e.g., Target, Home Depot, Mars Chocolate, Goodyear), workforce initiatives like revitalizing Washburn Tech, and quality-of-life improvements including infrastructure funding, downtown renovations, NOTO Arts District, and programs like Fast Forward and TEDx.

 

Doug Kinsinger's Current Professional Status (as of March 2026)

Doug Kinsinger is currently the Principal and owner of Opportunity Funding, LLC, a consulting firm based in Topeka, Kansas, that specializes in fundraising and resource development for community and economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, museums, arts programs, theaters, hospitals, and similar entities. The firm's services include developing plans and securing resources to implement visions for the future, drawing on his extensive experience in organizational management, economic development, governmental affairs, and military relations. He founded the company after his departure from Go Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce in 2015, and it remains active with testimonials highlighting successful campaigns (e.g., for Greater Morris County).

His professional background includes starting in the field at age 19 as an intern at the Waterloo, Iowa Chamber of Commerce, followed by leadership roles in various organizations. Recently, in late 2025, his two-term service on the Board of Trustees for the Capper Foundation (a Topeka-based nonprofit supporting people with disabilities) concluded, where he was recognized for instrumental leadership. No other major public activities or new positions appear in recent records as of early 2026. His son, Adam Kinsinger, works as Senior Fundraising Project Director at Opportunity Funding, LLC, since March 2020. Personal updates include a family engagement announcement in 2025.

Reasons for Departure from Go Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Doug Kinsinger served as President and CEO of both the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Go Topeka (the economic development arm of what is now the Greater Topeka Partnership) from 2001 until his resignation, announced on April 22, 2015, and effective July 1, 2015. There is no evidence in public records or reports that he was "forced out." Instead, the departure was described as voluntary, with Kinsinger stating in his announcement that it was "not an easy decision" but felt like "an appropriate time" after 14 years of significant community progress. He highlighted achievements such as attracting/retaining over 11,000 jobs, over $1.2 billion in investments, development of commerce parks, major company relocations/expansions (e.g., Target, Home Depot, Mars Chocolate, Goodyear), workforce initiatives like revitalizing Washburn Tech, and quality-of-life improvements including infrastructure funding, downtown renovations, NOTO Arts District, and programs like Fast Forward and TEDx.

Board chairs attributed the resignation to "personal and family reasons," without further specifics. A letter to the editor later implied it might relate to "resistance to change" in the Topeka community, framing his exit as a loss. The resignation prompted a six-month organizational review, leading to structural changes like separating some identities between the Chamber and Go Topeka while sharing a CEO, and gathering feedback from officials and the community to improve effectiveness. Interim leaders were appointed (Curtis Sneden for the Chamber, Scott Smathers for Go Topeka), and the move coincided with a JEDO request for proposals to evaluate economic development governance, though unrelated directly to his departure.

His salary at the time (~$406,000) was noted in comparisons to his successor's lower starting pay ($220,000), attributed to his long tenure and annual increases. No controversies, scandals, or forced removal were reported; local leaders expressed appreciation and saw it as an opportunity for re-evaluation. If the notion of being "forced out" stems from local rumors, it isn't substantiated in available sources.

For the latest on his activities, check opportunityfunding.net or his LinkedIn profile directly, as details can evolve.