UG Appoints Director of Public Works & Changes to Strategic Comms.

Published on March 10, 2025

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Troy Shaw as Director of Public Works, effective immediately. Mr. Shaw, who has been the Interim Director since 2024, joined the UG in 2017 as the County Engineer following time spent with the City of Lawrence, KS. He has worked to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and enhance the department’s commitment to excellence in customer service.

"Public Works is more than just roads, bridges, and sewers—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community,” said Shaw. “I’m honored to continue serving the residents of Wyandotte County in this role and look forward to working with our dedicated team to enhance infrastructure, improve services, and drive innovation for the future."

His leadership has been shaped by a focus on teamwork, smart investment, and continuous improvement. Mr. Shaw remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring sustainable systems for delivering public services, and empowering both team members and the community through transparency and education.

“I am excited to announce the official hiring of Troy Shaw from Interim Public Works Director to permanent Public Works Director,” said County Administrator David W. Johnston, ICMA-CM. "Troy stepped in as Interim Director and provided true commitment and leadership while serving a diverse team and the community. I am confident that he will continue to deliver with his advanced knowledge and dedication to drive the Public Works Team to the next level of success.  "Please welcome Troy and support him in his new Director of Public Works role."

Mr. Shaw graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He received his professional engineering license in 2010 and a Master of Science in Engineering Management in 2018. With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Public Works professional, Troy has demonstrated authentic leadership and has a proven track record of success in tackling complex public works projects and issues.

Ashley Z. Hand, AIA has announced plans to leave the Unified Government later this month. Mrs. Hand was appointed the first Director of Strategic Communications in 2021, where she launched the Department of Strategic Communications under County Administration and led various initiatives to improve outbound and internal communications, reevaluate community engagement approaches, and instituted innovative ways to share information across Wyandotte County. 

“Ashley has been a dynamic asset to the UG family! Her vision and leadership in shaping communications for the UG and the community have been innovative and refreshing,” said Johnston. “Although we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her years of service and dedication to our community. We truly wish her much success and know she will excel in her new role at the Mid America Regional Council."

Mrs. Hand will be joining the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) as the new Director of Local Government Services, effective March 31, 2025, where she will connect best practices and funding to critical local government functions across the metro.

David Johnston has named Public Information Officer Krystal R. McFeders to Interim Director of Strategic Communications until further notice.

“We are thankful that Krystal stepped up to fill the Interim Strategic Communications Director role," said Johnston. "As Public Information Officer, she has built and maintained valuable relationships with many community members, local media, and various officials to positively shift the public perception of the UG and Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. I know she is up for the challenge and will do a great job serving as Interim Director.”

Ms. McFeders started her career with the UG in 2021 with a diverse background in communications, community engagement, nonprofit operations, and education. She looks forward to continuing to raise the bar for communications across the UG with the upcoming community survey and other key initiatives.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to serve as Interim Strategic Communications Director,” said McFeders. “I look forward to continuing the great legacy and expanding the communications impact that Ashley started. I am grateful to be able to use my experience and connections to serve in the community in which I live and grew up.”

Krystal will begin serving as Interim Director on March 16, 2025.