Public Policy Committees

Exclusive membership council that supports Chamber’s advocacy programs at all levels of government.

Chair/Co-Chair: Richard Martin, JE Dunn

Advises and guides KC Chamber Public Policy in Kansas.

• Chair: David Waters, Lathrop Gage

Advises and guides KC Chamber Public Policy in Missouri.

• Chair/CoChair: Melissa Panettiere, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Advises and guides KC Chamber on business trends, opportunities and challenges in Kansas City, MO.

Chair/Co-Chair: David Frantze, Stinson Leonard Street

Allows connection and interaction between Chamber members and city officials and other community leaders.

• Chair: Pat Contreras, Director of Business Development, McCown Gordon Construction

Advises and guides Chamber’s work in improving access to a ready and qualified workforce.

• Chair: Jim Jamieson, Honeywell

Advises and guides Chamber’s Transportation Big 5 and state and federal transportation policy.

• Chair/Co-Chairs: Mike DeBacker, Burns & McDonnell / Scott Smith, HNTB (retired)

Advises and guides Chamber’s Aviation policy.

• CoChair: Carl Wilkes, Garmin / John Peterzalek, Cerner

Advises and guides Chamber’s Real Estate policy.

• Chair/CoChair: David Harrison, VanTrust Real Estate

Advises and guides Chamber’s Financial Services policy.

• Chair/Co-Chair: Paul Thompson, Country Club Bank

Advises and guides Chamber’s education and school board policy.

• Chair: Dr. Kenny Southwick, Executive Director, Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City

Advises and guides Chamber’s Military Affairs policy.

• CoChair: Kirby Brown, Park University / Terry Dunn, DD Ranch

Connects the business community to formerly incarcerated men and women to give them meaningful jobs.

• CoChair: Jeff Simon, Husch Blackwell
• CoChair: Jean Paul Bradshaw, Lathrop Gage