New interim Unified Government Administrator Cheryl Harrison-Lee shared her vision today for the UG.
“I have met with Mayor Garner, and he has shared his priorities for reducing the fiscal burden on residents and businesses. We will work together with the commissioners to address these priorities,” Lee said at an event at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.
Harrison-Lee is the first female administrator and the first administrator of color for the UG. She noted that Mayor Tyrone Garner is the first African-American mayor. Garner appointed Harrison-Lee on Jan. 6, after the resignation of UG Administrator Doug Bach. The UG Commission unanimously approved the appointment on Jan. 6.
“It is important that this administration be the catalyst of a forward-thinking vision, support high standards of governance and establishes a strong community with long-term sustainability,” Harrison-Lee said.
She said she was motivated by witnessing the dreams of many in the community having come to fruition; by having seen what happens when confidence in leadership is restored; by seeing the smiles on the faces of residents who actively engage with leaders who keep their promises; and by seeing what it looks like when equitable opportunities are given to all residents of a community regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
Harrison-Lee’s plan for the UG is “Vision 2022: Transformation through Collaboration.”
Harrison-Lee said she would discover new ways of engagement among residents, government and the community; evaluate the current organization and identify areas for improvement while highlighting and capitalizing on the strengths that benefit citizens; identify economic development opportunities that create access, equity and shared prosperity; and focus on superior customer service as a daily practice.
“This vision will ensure transformation through collaboration,” she said.
She asked the community to share with her what concerns them the most.
The last two years were clouded with uncertainty due to the global pandemic, Harrison-Lee said.
“As a community, we must continue to work through these challenges,” she said.
“For 2022, I’m committed to bring about change, to create a fresh sense of energy, optimism and a spirit of well-being for all,” Harrison-Lee said.
Mayor Garner said Harrison-Lee brings a wealth of experience and expertise in her knowledge of management, administration, leadership and effective government.
During the interviews and evaluations of Harrison-Lee, Garner said he was pleased on her ability to bring engaged leadership, competent management, streamlined government, the auditing of governmental functions, responsible development, fiscal responsibility, abatement of blight, investment in the disinvested, enhancement of essential services, excellence in customer services, and a commitment to lower taxes and fees, to include residential BPU bills so they can be more reflective of a real utility bill.
Mayor Garner said he had no doubt Harrison-Lee is the best choice for the community, now and moving forward.
Harrison-Lee, CEO of Harrison-Lee Development Consulting, has more than 35 years experience as a public and private sector executive.
She was a technical adviser for the city of Kansas City, Missouri, on the $100 million central city sales tax. She also was appointed by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to help lead the establishment of priorities, framework and financial reporting for CARES Act federal allocations in Kansas.
In addition, Harrison-Lee is the chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, which is over the state’s public universities and colleges.