Involvement with Go Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership ### Chris Robbins and Security Benefit

 Chris Robbins and Security Benefit: Board Role and Economic Incentives in Topeka

Chris Robbins (also referred to as Kris Robbins in some records) served as President and CEO of Security Benefit Corporation, a long-established Topeka-based financial services and retirement solutions company, during the mid-2000s to around 2011. Under his leadership, the firm focused on growth in annuities, mutual funds, and related products. In 2010, an investor group led by Guggenheim Partners acquired Security Benefit in a deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion (with Guggenheim investing about $400 million), transitioning the company to private ownership while committing to maintain and expand operations in Topeka. Robbins was credited with efforts to diversify the company, including the 2007 acquisition of Rydex Funds.

Involvement with Go Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership

Go Topeka (the Growth Organization of Topeka/Shawnee County, Inc.) serves as the economic development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), funded primarily through the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO), which allocates roughly $5 million annually from Shawnee County sales tax revenue for incentives, job creation, and related projects.

Robbins was an active member of the Go Topeka Board of Directors during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Historical records from JEDO meetings and community documents (e.g., from 2004 inter-city visits and 2010 minutes) list him as a participant, often alongside other private-sector leaders. For instance:

• In a 2004 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce delegation, he represented Security Benefit.
• In November 2010 JEDO minutes, Go Topeka President Doug Kinsinger noted that Robbins originated key terms or concepts used in performance-based incentive strategies.

His board tenure overlapped with his CEO role at Security Benefit, a common setup in local economic development boards that mix public/ex officio and private members to foster collaboration.

Economic Incentives Provided to Security Benefit

The incentives in question were standard performance-based economic development packages from JEDO/Go Topeka, not personal "gifts" to Robbins but support tied to job retention, creation, and company investment. These are typical tools in Kansas to bolster major employers.

• 2010 Guggenheim Acquisition Support: Around the time of the Guggenheim-led acquisition (announced February 2010, closed July 2010), JEDO/Go Topeka approved incentives totaling about $1.5 million. These were contingent on retaining over 800 existing jobs (with average salaries in the financial sector) and adding up to 200 more. Elements included:

  • Performance-based cash grants (e.g., per-job payments over time).
  • Potential property tax abatements or infrastructure support.
  • Alignment with state-level incentives from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

  The package was part of broader efforts (totaling $10 million+ in combined state/local support) to secure the deal and ensure continued headquarters presence and expansion in Topeka. Security Benefit, as one of Topeka's largest employers (payroll often exceeding $100 million annually), was seen as critical to the local economy.

• Earlier and Related Support: In prior years (e.g., 2007–2009), smaller incentives (estimated $500,000–$1 million range) supported facility upgrades, job training, and expansions, again performance-based and requiring verified milestones.

Post-acquisition, the company expanded its workforce and operations, meeting many incentive thresholds by the mid-2010s (employment grew toward 1,000+). Recent examples (e.g., 2025 JEDO approvals for Security Benefit expansions adding up to 55 high-paying jobs with projected $673 million economic impact) show the pattern continues, though unrelated to Robbins' era.

Potential Conflicts and Transparency Context

Robbins' dual role—CEO of a company receiving incentives while serving on the Go Topeka board—highlights the same transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns you've raised about board compositions involving private interests and public funds. Kansas ethics laws (e.g., K.S.A. 46-215 et seq. and 75-4304) require disclosure of substantial interests and recusal from votes directly affecting one's business. JEDO/Go Topeka protocols from the period mandated such measures, though specific recusal notations for Robbins in Security Benefit discussions are not detailed in available public minutes.

No formal violations, lawsuits, or Attorney General findings appear tied to this specific case. Audits of JEDO/Go Topeka around 2010–2012 noted general procurement issues in some incentives but nothing targeting Robbins or Security Benefit. This setup fits broader critiques of quasi-public nonprofits handling tax dollars with private board influence, as seen in AG opinions on similar entities (e.g., requiring disclosure but not always full KORA applicability).

For the most accurate historical details, check JEDO archives (jedoecodevo.com) for 2010–2011 minutes or incentive contracts, or contact the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission for any related filings. Board and incentive records evolve, so direct sources remain best for verification.