Lucas names finalists for the next Kansas City manager; all would be outside hires
Four local government professionals from across the country were named finalists Tuesday to become Kansas City’s next city manager.
The candidates, announced by Mayor Quinton Lucas at a news conference, are all from outside the city. They were chosen from a field of 50 in a search that began in March, officials said.
They are:
- Milton Dohoney Jr., assistant city manager, Phoenix.
- Janice Jackson, principal at the Janice Allen Jackson and Associates consulting firm. Jackson was administrator of August-Richmond County, Georgia.
- Kevin Jackson, deputy city manager, Long Beach, California.
- Brian Platt, city manager, Jersey City, New Jersey.
Former city manager Troy Schulte announced plans to step down last year. Assistant city manager Earnest Rouse has been filling in as acting manager.
The new city manager, Lucas said, will play a key role in continuing the city’s COVID-19 response but must also focus on other vital city business, such as roads and construction of the new airport.
“We’re reacting to things, and it’s important to react to things,” Lucas said. “But we also need to make sure we’re getting back to our long range planning.”
Considering the scope of the work, Lucas said, the city was seeking a candidate with significant leadership experience.
“We thought it was important that we have someone who could pick up on day one in terms of taking over some very serious responsibilities,” Lucas said.
Furthermore, Lucas said, the city was searching for an individual with a range of experience in cities that are diverse both in population and in development.
“We needed to make sure we hire someone who this isn’t their first rodeo,” Lucas said.
The finalists are scheduled to come to Kansas City the last week of September for interviews with Lucas and the City Council.
During that week, Lucas said, there will be an opportunity for public interviews and input.
Follow-up interviews will be held in October before a final decision. Officials said they anticipate an early January start date.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 2:05 PM.
