Partnership Appoints First COO as Organization Advances Strategic Priorities

WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 17, 2025 – The Greater Wichita Partnership (Partnership) is pleased to announce Craig Bay will join the organization as its first Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the beginning of 2026.

Established by the Partnership Executive Board, the role is designed to further the Partnership’s initiatives to advance economic growth in the Wichita region while continuing to cultivate new opportunities. This hire also achieves several strategic goals for the organization.

Bay brings more than 25 years of industry expertise in operations, management and strategic planning. He currently serves as the COO at Kyodo Yushi USA Inc., overseeing manufacturing, logistics and organizational growth.

This announcement marks a return for Bay, who previously served at the Partnership from 2015 to 2017 as Director of Special Projects. His leadership helped launch the Blueprint for Regional Economic Growth.

“The Partnership is cognizant of leveraging the resources we have to elevate our region’s economic growth and Craig’s return to the Partnership is critical to advancing those efforts,” said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Partnership. “His proven leadership and industry insight will help us accelerate our mission to fast-forward regional development.”

As COO, Bay will oversee internal operations, fund development, strategic communications, investor relations, and organizational support for the president, executive board and leadership team.

“I’m honored to return to the Partnership and contribute to the continued growth and momentum of the Wichita region,” Bay said. “This organization has a strong foundation of collaboration and innovation, and I’m excited to help advance its mission in new ways.”

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