Mayor Garner Introduces Interim County Administrator
Published on January 10, 2022
(KANSAS CITY, KS) –
CEO/Mayor Tyrone A. Garner of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, officially introduced Ms. Cheryl Harrison-Lee as Interim County Administrator. Harrison-Lee was confirmed unanimously by the Board of Commissioners on Thursday, January 6.
At a news conference held in Memorial Hall, Mayor Garner expressed confidence in Harrison-Lee’s qualifications to lead the Wyandotte County organization.
“Ms. Harrison-Lee brings a wealth of experience and expertise in her knowledge of management, administration, leadership and effective governance,” said Mayor Garner. “I have no doubt that Ms. Harrison-Lee is the best choice for our community moving forward. I know that she will bring engaged leadership, competent management and so much more, in order to help us all facilitate making Wyandotte County a great and safe place to live, work and raise a family.”
Harrison-Lee brings more than 35 years of professional experience as a nationally-recognized public and private sector executive at a time when the Unified Government anticipates making generational investments in the community while managing a public health response to a global pandemic.
“Thank you, Mayor Garner and Commissioners, for your confidence in me to lead this organization during a critical time of transition for Wyandotte County,” said Harrison-Lee.
Harrison-Lee, the first Black woman appointed to the role of interim county administrator, unveiled her vision to lead the County. Reflecting on the Unified Government’s 25-year anniversary, the former Gardner City Administrator and current CEO of Harrison-Lee Development Consulting focused on a four-pronged plan to improve the quality of life for Wyandotte County citizens.
“I’ve seen what happens when confidence in leadership is restored,” said Harrison-Lee. “I’ve seen the smiles on the faces of residents who can actively engage their leaders and know that promises will be kept, and I’ve witnessed what it looks like when equitable opportunities are given to all residents of the community.”
In her plan coined, “Vision 2022: Transformation through Collaboration” Harrison-Lee highlighted four areas of focus for her work forward.
- Discover ways to strengthen engagements among residents, local government and the business community;
- Evaluate the current organization and identify areas for improvement
- Identify Economic Development opportunities that create access, equity, and shared prosperity; and,
- Focus on superior customer service as a daily practice
“It is important that this administration be the catalyst for a forward-thinking vision which supports a high standard of governance and establishes a strong community with long-term sustainability,” said Harrison-Lee.
As the technical advisor for the City of Kansas City, Missouri on the $100M Central City Sales Tax she addressed historically disadvantaged neighborhoods through new, catalytic investment. She was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to establish the framework, strategic priorities, and financial reporting for $1.034B CARES Act federal allocation to the State of Kansas to counter the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. She is also the Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, working on statewide higher education issues.
Throughout her career, Harrison-Lee has worked to bring a more data-driven, accountable approach to public agencies through a commitment to collecting, using and sharing performance data to enhance transparency and continually improve organizations and communities; all skillsets she will apply in her role as interim County Administrator.
“I consider it my duty as a responsible public servant to continue to serve with integrity, transparency, and with an unapologetic commitment to smart, sound leadership and accountability,” said Harrison-Lee. “I will provide a new set of lenses we can use collaboratively, to approach our challenges in a fresh and more equitable way.”
Harrison-Lee has a graduate degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. She assumed her role on January 7.