FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Every year at our Annual Dinner, there’s one moment that seems to capture the heart of who we are as a community: the reveal of the Kansas Citian of the Year. It’s always a privilege to share that news with you, and tonight is no exception. At our 138th Annual Dinner, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize two remarkable leaders as our 2025 Kansas Citians of the Year: Cliff Illig and Kathy Nelson. Each of them has a vision, grit, and deep love for this region that has helped change the way the world sees Kansas City.
Cliff’s story is woven into the fabric of our region’s innovation economy. As a co-founder of Cerner Corporation, he helped build a global health care technology leader that created thousands of good jobs and signaled that Kansas City could compete (and win) on a worldwide stage. As a principal owner of Sporting Kansas City, he has also been instrumental in transforming our city’s soccer landscape, investing in stadiums, training facilities, and fan experiences that helped position Kansas City as one of North America’s true soccer capitals. His civic and philanthropic leadership spans entrepreneurship, life sciences, education, and neighborhood investment, always focused on long-term impact.
Kathy has become the face and voice of Kansas City’s sports and tourism renaissance. As President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation and Visit KC, she has led the charge to secure some of the nation’s and world’s biggest events — from the 2023 NFL Draft to FIFA World Cup 26™ matches — while continuing to attract NCAA, Big 12, and championship events that fill our hotels, restaurants, and venues year-round. She is a relentless champion for women’s sports, a connector of people and ideas, and a trusted ambassador who tells Kansas City’s story with authenticity and enthusiasm on the national stage.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is what Cliff and Kathy have done together with so many partners across our community. Their leadership has helped ignite a new era of momentum for Kansas City, one that blends global opportunity with local benefit for small businesses, neighborhoods, and future generations. They remind us that when we work across sectors, state lines, and silos, there is very little this region cannot do.
The Kansas Citian of the Year is the Chamber’s highest honor, reserved for those whose contributions leave a lasting, positive mark on our community. Cliff Illig and Kathy Nelson each embody that standard in every way. Please join me in celebrating their extraordinary leadership, service, and commitment to Greater Kansas City.
Congratulations again to Cliff, and to Kathy, and may you and your families have a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving.