TOPEKA — One week after he was hired, Gov. Sam Brownback’s chief information technology officer has resigned. Jim Mann’s resignation was submitted Tuesday afternoon in the wake of a report this week by the Topeka Capital-Journal that his college degree was bought from a diploma mill. In his letter of resignation to Brownback, Mann apologized and said the controversy surrounding his qualifications compromised confidence in him and ensured that he wouldn’t be an asset to Brownback’s administration. When he hired Mann for the $150,000 job, Brownback announced an aggressive consolidation of computer systems in the state government’s executive branch.
As late as Tuesday morning, Brownback expressed support for Mann and downplayed the importance of Mann’s educational background. Brownback’s office is looking for a successor.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4:30 p.m.
