UG Names Kay Sharp Community Development Director

UG Names Kay Sharp Community Development Director

Published on November 07, 2024

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) is pleased to announce the naming of Kay Sharp as Director of Community Development. Most recently, Sharp served as the Interim Director for the Department of Community Development where she helped administer Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Entitlement Grants.

"Community development is about preparing the soil for future leaders, fostering sustained socioeconomic growth, and addressing the needs of our vulnerable friends and neighbors," said Director Kay Sharp. "I firmly believe Kansas City, Kansas can become the envy of cities across the country, and I look forward to pairing our federal resources with forward-thinking members of our community to create a Kansas City, Kansas that cares for its people, cultivates an entrepreneurial spirit, and captivates the interests of business and industry."

Sharp has over 30 years of public service and leadership experience. She has served as the Staff Assistant and the Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum and U.S. Senator Pat Roberts. During these roles, Ms. Sharp managed constituent casework activities in the senator's offices in Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, Dodge City, and Washington, DC. She also met with various members of the community regarding various proposals before the federal government. Sharp has a passion for service and development and worked to draft a high school engagement program to foster a better understanding of the legislative process and the services available through congressional offices. Kay graduated from Friends University with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Sharp played a vital role as the Community Engagement Lead for the Wyandotte County Health Department. She interacted directly with churches and community organizations to promote the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and shared resources regarding the UG vaccination program. Under her leadership, her team worked to supply Wyandotte County schools, churches, libraries and businesses with over $329,900 in protective masks and 20,340 test kits. The Department of Community Development is entirely funded by federal funds and Sharp's experience in handling these funds will ensure compliance and transparency for the organization.

"In the ten months serving as Interim Director," said Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze, "Kay demonstrated her vision for what the department could become, coupled with the tenacity to make changes and deliver results. We are excited to have her in a permanent role for continuous improvement."

On area of opportunity identified by Sharp is simplifying our various home repair programs. Sharp is looking for ways to consolidate processes and bring new resources to help qualified homeowner with repairs to their property. As Community Development Director, Ms. Sharp will continue to manage and administer various federal grant programs and will work closely with various UG departments to address the needs of the community. She will also work to support nonprofit single-family builders and explore successful housing and community development initiatives across the country to determine their suitability for Kansas City, Kansas.

Congratulations, Kay Sharp!

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