Each State SAC is led by a director who manages the day-to-day operations. Confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, the SAC Director must have extensive knowledge of research methodology and statistical analyses techniques, as well as the ability to design and conduct research studies, and produce and present findings in written and oral presentations. Kansas’ SAC is led by Dr. John Grube. Dr. Grube is the Director of Research for the Commission.  In his current capacity as the Director of Research, his duties include serving as the database manager for the research department and author of the agency’s annual report.  He also produces adult prison population and adult custody classification projections, as well as policy impact assessments.   

Dr. Grube earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Kansas State University in 2024.  Obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree from Washburn University School of Law in 2012, Dr. Grube is also a licensed attorney.  He previously served as an assistant district attorney in Wyandotte County, Kansas and worked as an appellate attorney for the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Service (BIDS). Prior to law school, Dr. Grube worked as a police officer for the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz has been Executive Director for the Kansas Sentencing Commission since 2011 and served on the National Association of Sentencing Commissions Executive Committee from 2013-2016. In this time, his agency has taken the lead in promoting evidence-based practices aimed at reducing recidivism in Kansas.

Prior to joining the Commission, Scott worked at the Kansas Securities Commissioner’s Office for almost 12 years as an Associate General Counsel, Assistant Attorney General and was cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney to prosecute securities violations in state and federal court. His prior employment pursuits include criminal defense work in private practice and prosecuting violent crime as an assistant county attorney. Scott received his law degree from the Washburn University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University.

Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith has been the SB 123 Director for the Kansas Sentencing Commission since 2024. 

Prior to joining the Commission, Elliott worked as a Re-entry Facility Supervisor, where he has gained nine years of proven experience providing treatment services to incarcerated drug offenders. Elliott has a strong history of collaborating with partners to implement policy initiatives that yield proven client outcomes. Elliott holds a master's degree in psychology from New York University. He is a Licensed Addiction Counselor certified in Kansas.