David Warm, MARC Executive Director, Named "Kansas Citian of the Year"

David Warm, for 30 years Executive Director of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), was named the KC Chamber’s 2020 “Kansas Citian of the Year” at the KC Chamber’s Annual Dinner Tuesday.

“Our honoree can best be described as a ‘servant leader’ – a man who has worked tirelessly for the benefit of our region,” said Alvin Brooks, 2019 Kansas Citian of the Year as he presented the award.

“I’ve worked with David for many years,” said Joe Reardon, President & CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber. “He’s someone who works quietly and effectively, eschewing the spotlight and letting the work speak for itself. By naming him Kansas Citian of the Year, we’re shining that spotlight firmly on him and the long-term, positive impact he’s had on our region.”

As the council of governments for Greater Kansas City, MARC leads key regional services and planning initiatives and is widely regarded for innovation and effectiveness in areas that include transportation, environmental protection, emergency management, aging and community services, early education, workforce development and local government cooperative services.

Prior to joining MARC, David was the city administrator in Liberty, Missouri, and he also served in administrative positions with the city of Kansas City, Missouri. A native Californian, David earned a B.A. degree in political science and economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of California, Riverside.

David is active in many civic groups and initiatives, including serving on the boards of area non-profit agencies addressing healthcare, education and community development, as well as the Hall Family Foundation. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and, in 2015, he was recognized with a National Public Service Award from the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration.

Looking ahead to 2021

The theme for the Chamber’s Annual Dinner was “Unstoppable KC.”

“We understand and respect that these are challenging times affecting everyone,” said Carolyn Watley, who continues as Chamber Chair through 2021. She continued, “But we meet those challenges and find solutions when we come together. As a family. As a business. And definitely as a community. That’s what KC does. We come together to keep things moving forward. And that's what 'unstoppable’ means to me: the way we collaborate to get things done.”

Chamber President & CEO Joe Reardon also looked toward the future. “Our vision is a Kansas City region healthy and free of COVID, with a thriving economy that benefits all our residents, with a strong and well-trained workforce, excellent education, and a transportation system that moves people from their homes to their job and back again, and with an end to systemic racism and injustice.

“The ingredients for success are here in our community,” he continued. “There is tough work ahead. Let’s commit ourselves tonight to making it happen.”