UG Names Econ. Dev. Director to Help Champion Equitable Growth

UG Names Econ. Dev. Director to Help Champion Equitable Growth

Published on October 09, 2024

Chelsee Chism brings years of economic development project experience to WyCo

Kansas City, KS - The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Chelsee Chism as Economic Development Director.

Chism will be charged with rebuilding the department in support of new development, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, and the land bank program.

"This is a really exciting time to join the Unified Government," said Chelsee Chism. "There are tremendous projects in the works and opportunities on the horizon to accomplish incredibly meaningful results for the community. I am honored and thrilled to participate in the continued success across Wyandotte County."

Prior to joining the Unified Government, Chism served as Assistant City Manager for the Cities of Overland Park, Kansas, and Shawnee, Kansas. She has worked on an extensive number of economic development projects and oversaw several municipal operations. Ms. Chism holds a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from Kansas State University and a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University with certificates in Economic Development and City and County Management.

"With Chelsee's hire, we have filled a long-standing vacancy that is key to addressing the Commission's priority to foster equitable economic development across the county. Chelsee is no stranger to the metro area and her experience with economic development will enable her to hit the ground running," said County Administrator David Johnston.

With just a month since she started, Ms. Chism is actively working to catch up on the many development projects underway, including the redevelopment proposal for 4^th and Minnesota, catalytic projects along the Kansas River and out west, the land bank policy review, revamping small business grants and services, as well as working to implement the new community benefits agreement program adopted by the UG Commission in late 2023.

"Over the coming months, we'll work together to establish a defined approach to promoting equitable economic development and supporting small businesses for the strategic growth we need as a county," said Johnston.

Welcome and Congratulations, Chelsee Chism!

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