Leading Progress

After 15 years helping steer Topeka’s economic trajectory from within, Molly Howey, c ’02, ba ’08, has stepped confidently into her new role as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. The move in August brought fresh momentum and a commitment to turn years of groundwork into visible results. For Howey, leadership means making sure efforts result in tangible outcomes – be it new businesses opening downtown, improved infrastructure or revitalized neighborhoods. 

“This isn’t about checking boxes,” Howey said. “It’s about finishing well and showing progress people can see and feel.” 

An Unconventional Path Forged at Washburn

Howey’s journey to the top of Topeka’s civic leadership began at Washburn Tech, where she earned a certificate in interior design while in high school. She then pivoted to study mass media at Washburn University, adding communication and analytical skills to her resume. 

“I didn’t set out for economic development, but Washburn gave me transferable skills that prepared me for it,” Howey said. Somewhat of a non-traditional student, she had already gotten married and started a family while attending college. “I took a little longer; I think it took me about five years to finish. I was working full-time during school, too, so my path looked different, but it gave me perspective.” 

While at Washburn, Howey thrived in smaller classes that emphasized real-world projects and close collaboration with faculty – experiences that built her confidence and adaptability. Her former mass media professor, Maria Stover, knew Howey would go far. 

“She has always had this calm, confident presence about her,” said Stover, now an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It stayed with her into professional life and is one reason for her success.”

Taking time after graduation to raise her children, Howey returned to the workforce with a new perspective. She landed a research manager position at the Chamber of Commerce, a role where she drew on her media background to oversee website management, research and content creation. Over 14 years, she assumed new roles and deepened her grasp of the city’s economic and social pulse. 

“The variety kept me hooked,” Howey said. “There was always another challenge, another way to contribute.”

A Unified Engine for Growth

The GTP represents an ambitious model for local economic growth, uniting four organizations – GO Topeka, Visit Topeka, Downtown Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce – into a single, collaborative entity. Each supports the others, combining expertise in business recruitment, tourism, downtown development and advocacy.

“Bringing the organizations together created pace and quality,” Howey said. “We share resources, ride each other’s waves and focus less on credit and more on outcomes.”

Under Howey’s leadership, GTP initiatives like the Choose Topeka talent attraction program, new downtown housing incentives and joint marketing efforts have seen traction. The result is a more cohesive development pipeline and a visible, collective identity for the Topeka area. 

According to Stover, forming connections is what Howey does best.

“Molly has an uncanny ability to build bridges; she creates environments where collective success becomes inevitable,” Stover said.

For Howey, sustaining downtown momentum is a top priority. The transformation of downtown Topeka – once dotted with vacant storefronts – into a lively streetscape has already fostered civic pride and drawn new investment. Now she is focused on keeping that momentum alive while turning attention toward a transformative riverfront development.

On her watch, GTP is strengthening efforts to advocate for state resources, ensuring Topeka receives recognition and investment in line with its contributions to the region. But at the top of her list is completing projects and celebrating milestones.

“It’s time to start finishing – moving good ideas across the line and making the progress visible,” Howey said. “Our community deserves completions, not just commitments.”

The Washburn Connection

Howey sees Washburn not only as the launchpad for her career but as a strategic partner in Topeka’s future. That partnership shows up in tangible ways: the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business pitch competitions pair students with GTP staff for real-world practice and feedback; the Small Business Development Center, now co-located with GTP, streamlines support for new ventures; and Washburn Tech’s advanced programs and equipment help make Topeka a standout for employers seeking skilled talent. 

“Washburn Tech is a differentiator – cutting-edge equipment, real-world training. Companies notice,” Howey said.

Priorities with an Eye for the Future

Ultimately, Howey’s vision for Topeka’s future is about making the city a place where young people and families see a livable future. 

“I hope kids can see their path here – education to career to quality of life – and choose Topeka because they know what’s possible,” Howey said.

With a steady vision and determined grit, Howey’s leadership is helping Topeka define its next chapter.

“We need to finish strong and celebrate the wins,” Howey said. “In the Midwest, we’re humble – but people deserve to see how far we’ve come.”