He was appointed by Governor Mark Parkinson when David Kerr resigned to serve as Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
As Secretary, Thornton oversaw the operations of Kansas Department of Commerce.
Thornton received a bachelor's degree from Benedictine College and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University's School of Law.
Thornton worked with Hallmark Cards and also as an attorney with Duncan-Senecal Law Offices, Chartered, in Atchison.
On October 30, 2009, Thornton was appointed as Kansas Secretary of Commerce by Governor Mark Parkinson.