The 2018 Board of Directors for the Kansas Mayors Association was selected at the conference. Mayor David McDaniel, City of Ellis, was elected President. The First Vice President is Michael Smith, City of Lansing; and Second Vice President is Jeff Longwell, City of Wichita.
McDaniel was selected by his peers to lead the organization in 2018. He said he’s proud to serve the organization.
“The Kansas Mayor’s Association was created to provide focus, unity, and shared knowledge across the State of Kansas. Approximately 350 of the 625 mayors in the state are members of the KMA,” said Burt Ussery, Mayor of Clearwater and Past-President of the KMA. “Each year this professional group takes the opportunity to recognize one individual who epitomizes the essence of leadership to their city.”
This year’s winner was selected by his peers based on his exemplary leadership in transitioning the city through periods of calm and chaos. Kauffman consistently demonstrated superb leadership skills in unifying his city behind programs and projects that have been divisive in the community for decades. His nomination form describes Kauffman as a “dynamic leader who works to convene stakeholders, build alliances, and as someone who understands and implements the principles of public engagement and public service. He is a public servant who sets an example above reproach. He fully understands his circle of influence, and his passion is infectious.”
Kauffman is described as a servant leader, or someone who leads to ensure that other people’s and the community’s needs are met ahead of their own interests. He does not hesitate to volunteer for numerous boards and commissions which foster community goals and economic development initiatives. In his nomination form, several issues were noted to illustrate his leadership skills including the community conversation on a water treatment plant upgrade and encouraging the community to “build for the future,” ensuring the plant could handle population growth in the coming years. He also led the city through a highly controversial issue which took underutilized land and established safe, energy efficient, and affordable housing in his community. The city also gained centrally located additional acreage which can now be used for retail and commercial growth – something that was non-existent previously within city limits.
Kauffman also led the community through a conversation about recreation and residents’ priorities. He brought community leaders from the school board, recreation commission, and city council together to discuss the needs of the community. The resulting discussion led to a $6 million facility upgrade and new swimming pool opening in 2018.
Kauffman also served as the city’s spokesperson during the 2016 Excel Industries active shooter incident. Although no elected leader wants to hear the words “active shooter” and manage the chaos and confusion that such an event brings, Kauffman became the “Face of Hesston” representing the city, staff, and investigative officials. His compassion and well-managed response was admirable and was necessary to lead the community toward healing and recovery after a tragic event.”