Wichita attorney named head of economic development agency

Wichita attorney Abdul Arif has been named executive director of the South Central Kansas Economic Development District.

The nonprofit agency makes business loans and runs a weatherization program in 14 counties.

Arif said he plans to be active in soliciting applications from businesses that have trouble getting commercial loans.

He replaces interim director Elaine Hanna, who succeeded long-time executive director Bill Bolin, who left in March.

Arif said he wants to consolidate the agency’s two locations into one and is seeking from 16,000 to 20,000 square feet of office/warehouse space downtown.

This story was originally published September 5, 2014 at 9:46 AM with the headline "Wichita attorney named head of economic development agency."