Lee’s Summit, MO – The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council is excited to officially announce the Board of Directors for the fiscal year 22-23. Will Coates, Chairman of the LSEDC Board was appointed during the Annual Meeting, as former Chairman Todd Haynes passed the gavel. Additional board appointments include Bill Brown as Vice Chair, John McDonald as Secretary, as well as new board members Tom Jackson and Mark Dunning.
LSEDC Chairman Will Coates is the former CEO and co-owner of Billy Goat Industries in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Coates has served on many area boards, including Summit Bank of Kansas City (Chairman 2012 – 2014), St. Luke’s East Hospital Advisory Board, and Velocity. He is also an active member of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. He attributes much of his personal growth and leadership style to his membership in Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
LSEDC’s new Vice Chair, Bill Brown, is currently the Chief Operating Officer, developer, and operator of Paragon Star, a $250 million, 190-acre, mixed-use development in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Brown is also President of Spectrum Strategies LLC, an 11-year-old economic development consulting firm. He has served on numerous local and regional civic boards and councils including the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, the Cass County Corporation for Economic Development, the Lee’s Summit Land Clearance and Redevelopment Authority, the Saint Luke’s East Foundation Advisory Board, the Lee’s Summit R7 Business Roundtable Steering Committee, the Kansas City Area Redevelopment Council Board of Directors, the LISC Kansas City Advisory Board, and KC Tomorrow Class XIV.
John McDonald, CEO of Lee’s Summit Medical Center, was voted to Secretary. Since 2018, McDonald has served as Chief Executive Officer of Lee’s Summit Medical Center (LSMC). He has played an instrumental role in aiding the growth and expansion of LSMC, as well as the community’s constantly evolving healthcare needs. McDonald was recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal as a “Next Gen Leader” for his innovative leadership and successfully navigating a hospital through a global health pandemic.
Tom Jackson, Missouri Regional President of Central Bank was also welcomed as a new board member for the LSEDC. Tom previously has over 35 years of experience in President, Vice President, and senior-level roles for a variety of banks. His volunteer efforts include Smithville Rotary Club President, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Saint Luke’s East Hospital Board Chair, Saint Luke’s Health System Executive Board member and Finance Chair, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation Treasurer and board member, Lee’s Summit Schools Assistance Corporation Board President, Lee’s Summit R-7 Audit Committee member, Lee’s Summit Citizens Advisory Committee member, and Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council board member, among others.
Finally, Mark Dunning recently stepped into the role of City Manager at the City of Lee’s Summit, replacing former City Manager, Stephen Arbo. Dunning is equipped with over 24 years of public sector experience and knowledge of the Lee’s Summit community. Previously, Dunning held the role of Assistant City Manager of Infrastructure and Development for the City of Lee’s Summit. He’s held additional roles, including Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, Division Manager of Building Inspections, and Division Manager of Inspection Services.
Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council is looking forward to the fresh voice, perspective, and collaborative techniques these new leaders will bring to the community.
Find the full list of board members here: Board of Directors – Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council (leessummit.org)