KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City (Civic Council) has announced the election of Dentons US Board Member Lisa Krigsten to a two-year term as Chair, effective August 1, 2024. A member of the Civic Council Board of Directors, Krigsten has demonstrated an unwavering focus on the Civic Council vision for inclusive prosperity across all communities in the Kansas City region. Krigsten succeeds Madeleine McDonough, Chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, in the leadership role.
“The Civic Council is a transformational organization that leads by convening Kansas City’s most accomplished leaders,” said Krigsten. “The membership is committed to driving impact for a more prosperous and inclusive Kansas City region. As Chair, I will continue to amplify the Civic Council’s research-driven, strategic leadership with inclusive prosperity as a centerpiece of our decisions. I look forward to building on the storied history of this pivotal civic organization.”
“Lisa is a decisive leader with a career-long commitment to social justice issues. Her leadership will propel the work of the Civic Council forward,” said Don Hall, Jr., Civic Council Board Member and Executive Chairman of Hallmark Cards. “Lisa is the leader we need at the helm of the Civic Council at this moment in time.”
Krigsten is the fourth woman to Chair the organization since its founding in 1964. The mission of the Civic Council is to enhance regional prosperity and quality of life in Kansas City by strategically harnessing the collective resources, influence and expertise of business and civic leaders. The cornerstone of the Civic Council is its focus on long-term issues that are strategic and informed by research and data.
“Lisa is one of the most respected leaders in the Kansas City region. She cares deeply about our community and is steadfast in her support of the Civic Council vision,” said Bill Gautreaux, Civic Council Board Member and Managing Partner of MLP Holdings LLC. “We look forward to Lisa’s leadership as we work to support a strong Kansas City today and into the future.”
Krigsten is a member of the US Board of Directors for Dentons, a global law firm, and serves as the Firm’s Kansas City Managing Partner. She is a sought-after strategist and trusted counselor for Boards of Directors and corporate leaders in Kansas City and across the United States. Lisa is a Chambers-ranked lawyer whose work has been recognized by Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America.
Prior to joining the Firm, Krigsten was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the Principal Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights at the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC. She also is a former federal prosecutor. Krigsten earned her law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. The College of Law highlighted Krigsten’s distinguished legal career as part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebration. Krigsten received her B.A. from the University of Kansas.
Krigsten’s civic leadership has been evident in her work with Kansas City organizations such as the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and DeLaSalle Education Center.
The Civic Council has a search underway for the next president. Consuelo Ross, Vice President of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, is leading the organization on an interim basis until the search process concludes.
About Us
The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization composed of the most engaged, accomplished leaders in the Kansas City region. Founded in 1964 by a group of business CEOs, the Civic Council brings together the personal and corporate resources of its members to address difficult, complex community challenges. Throughout its history, the Civic Council has given birth to significant initiatives that have contributed to the community’s economic growth and quality of life. Examples include creation of a plan for redeveloping Kansas City’s downtown and growing the life sciences research and development in the region. A hallmark of the Civic Council is its focus on long-term issues that are strategic and informed by research. www.kcciviccouncil.org
