January 2025

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

David Boisvert announces retirement — Johnson County Appraiser David Boisvert announced his retirement at the December Board of Commissioners meeting, where his letter of retirement was formally accepted. Since his appointment in 2020, his key accomplishments include office reorganization, cross-training of appraisers and introducing an online portal. Deputy County Appraiser Kara Endicott has been named as the interim county appraiser. Read more about Boisvert's career.

Lee’s Summit selects Visitors Bureau executive director — Cori Day will join the city on Jan. 6 as the executive director of the newly formed Lee's Summit Visitors Bureau. Day, who has over 22 years' experience in the tourism industry, previously served as the director of tourism for Independence. More information about Day can be found here.

Leawood names new planning director — Julie Hurley is set to join Leawood as planning director after the retirement of Mark Klein, who served in that position for 25 years. Hurley has worked as a planner in multiple cities in Johnson County, most recently as Leavenworth’s planning and community development director. Learn more.

Merriam welcomes new finance director — Meagan Borth will begin her tenure as finance director in early January. Borth’s experience includes roles in cities across Kansas, Texas and Missouri. She has been serving as the interim finance director for Independence. Read more here.

Overland Park hosts Strong Cities workshop — Overland Park recently hosted the workshop “Preventing Hate, Extremism and Polarization” last month in partnership with the Strong Cities Network. The Strong Cities Network builds and strengthens interaction and connections between cities, city leaders and practitioners, to realize the full potential of local action in addressing the challenges of extremism. Strong Cities facilitates the development and exchange of good practices and sustainable city-led prevention policies, programs and practices. Learn more about Strong Cities.

MARC plans to continue highlighting public sector

workforce-related content in future newsletters.
If your organization would like to share a recent success or new strategy pertaining to recruitment, retention or other workforce topics, please contact Alex Morgan.

Climate and Environment Council seeks members — The council will aid in the implementation of the Kansas City Regional Climate Action Plan and is supported by both MARC and Climate Action KC. The committee will be made up of 25–30 individuals who will represent the Kansas City, Missouri, region with a variety of viewpoints and experience. Applications are due Jan. 10, by 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply.

MARC announces new leadership appointments — MARC has named new leadership appointments to support organizational efforts in achieving key outcomes. Amanda Graor has been named the director of the MARC Data and Digital Services Department, focusing on the production and management of data. Marlene Nagel is the director of the new Office of Resource Development, which will focus on grant sourcing, monitoring, writing and reporting. Nagel previously served as the director of MARC’s Community Development Department. Frank Lenk is now the director of the new Office of Economic Research, leading research on the regions’ economy and providing insight into economic competitiveness. Learn more.

Katie Killen departs from MARC — After three years at the Mid-America Regional Council, Katie Killen will join Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City as its governmental affairs strategist. Killen was pivotal in building and launching the Regional Housing Partnership (RHP) during her tenure. She led the effort to form a Strategy Committee to oversee the vision of the RHP and set long-term goals to guide regional housing work. Additionally, she led the creation of the Housing Data Hub, the coordination of the regional community land trust business plan and helped form the strategy for MARC’s recent housing research, analysis and grants. Outside of her work on the RHP, Katie co-led MARC’s Community Partnerships DEI work and was instrumental in the process to revisit and update MARC’s values.

MARC hiring director of local government services — MARC is looking for a director of local government services. The role oversees a team of 35+ professionals guiding key regional functions like emergency services and workforce development. Responsibilities include financial management, grant administration and partnership management. View more information.

Public invited to share experiences on transportation resiliency in the region — MARC invites the public to participate in a survey to share experiences and input about improving the transportation system for Transportation Resiliency KC, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the durability and adaptability of our transportation networks. Public input will help MARC better understand how climate hazards and extreme weather events impact transportation in the community. Take the survey.

Managers Roundtable set for February — Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m. for the next Managers Roundtable in the MARC Board Room. Details soon to be announced. Register here.

Data plays key role in workforce development — Workforce development inside communities involves two important parties: business and the workforce. Data plays an integral role in developing long-term and economic development strategies. Market analysis is another area where data provides clarity for both the workforce and hiring businesses. Effective data presentation is key to successful implementation. Read more.

Maryland utilizing mobile IDs — Maryland has created an app that allows businesses to check ages using mobile licenses. This app aims to increase efficiency between residents, businesses and local government. Residents have had access to Mobile IDs through Apple Wallet since 2022. Last year, Maryland became the first state to make IDs available through Google Wallet as well. The new Mobile ID Check by MD app was launched to expand access of Mobile ID usage to organizations that are not currently equipped to scan. Learn more.

Do you want something featured in Management Matters?
Management Matters is always seeking submissions that feature your city
or celebrate regional government accomplishments.
If you have something you wish to share with the region, submit it here!

Visit our Grant Opportunity web page for current grant opportunities open to local governments.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• First Suburbs Coalition — Virtual
  Jan. 17, 8:30–10 a.m.
• Managers Roundtable — MARC Board Room, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• 2025 Kansas City/County Manager Conference — Oread Hotel, 1200 Oread Ave., Lawrence, Kansas 
  April 24–25

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

For information and to register see the GTI Calendar of Events.

• Project Management Fundamentals
  Jan. 14
• Adobe Illustrator Basic and Advanced
  Jan. 21