The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City Taps Madeleine McDonough as Chair

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City has announced the election of Shook, Hardy & Bacon Chair Madeleine McDonough to a two-year term as Chair, effective June 1, 2022. A member of the Civic Council for six years, McDonough previously served as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Chair, working to bring the Council’s vision for inclusive prosperity to communities across the Kansas City metropolitan area. McDonough succeeds Steve Edwards, Chairman and CEO of Black & Veatch, in the leadership role.

“Through key initiatives such as KC Rising, Kansas City Tomorrow and the Heartland Civic Collaborative, the Civic Council is evolving into a diverse, inclusive organization dedicated to increasing prosperity for all of the community’s citizens,” said McDonough. “What makes the Council unique is that it transcends the boundaries of individual businesses, drawing on the resources of its membership to bring about research-driven, inclusive economic change. I look forward to continuing its legacy of fostering meaningful civic engagement among the next generation of community leaders. We are on the cusp of naming a new President, and I am excited about that announcement, as well as the increasingly transformative work ahead.”

“Madeleine believes in the Civic Council’s vision for inclusive prosperity across the Kansas City metropolitan region and has activated on that belief through her steadfast service to the Civic Council over the past six years,” said Don Hall, Jr., Civic Council Board Member and Executive Chairman of Hallmark Cards. “I can think of no better leader to take on the role of Chair.”

McDonough will be third woman to chair the Council since its founding in 1964. Comprised of volunteers from the leadership ranks of the region’s most engaged companies, the Civic Council was created to address complex community challenges. Throughout its history, the Civic Council has given birth to significant initiatives that have contributed to the community’s economic growth and quality of life. A hallmark of the Civic Council is its focus on long-term issues that are strategic and informed by research.

“Madeleine is a Kansas City leader committed to transformational change in our communities. The Civic Council has a goal to drive improved economic outcomes for all people in our communities,” said Bill Gautreaux, Civic Council Board Member and Managing Partner of MLP Holdings LLC. “Madeleine is a true collaborator and will ensure the Civic Council executes on its efforts towards meaningful impact at this important moment in Kansas City’s future.”

“Having known Madeleine for many years, I’m happy to pass the baton to her,” said Steve Edwards, immediate past Board Chair of the Civic Council, and Chairman and CEO of Black & Veatch. “The board looks forward to her guidance and partnership as we move Kansas City forward economically and culturally.”

Born and raised in Kansas City, McDonough serves on the board of several distinguished organizations and is committed to making the city a vibrant place to work and live. She has had leadership roles with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, University Health, Truman Library Institute, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and KCUR.

McDonough brings more than three decades of experience at Shook, Hardy & Bacon to her role as chair. McDonough’s law firm partners re-elected her to a second five-year term as Chair effective January 1, 2022. She is nationally known in the legal community as a trusted advisor, experienced firm leader and litigation trailblazer. McDonough has served on Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s Executive Committee for 15 years and previously led the firm’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device practice. She obtained an LLM in Global Health Law from Georgetown Law Center, earned her law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

In 2019, McDonough received the Women, Influence & Power in Law Award for Innovative Leadership from Corporate Counsel/In-House Counsel magazine. The National Law Journal named her among the nation’s top 50 “Litigation Trailblazers and Pioneers” in its inaugural class.

About Us

The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization composed of the leadership of the largest, private employers in the Kansas City region. Founded in 1964 by a group of business CEOs, the Civic Council brings together the personal and corporate resources of its members to address difficult, complex community challenges. Throughout its history, the Civic Council has given birth to significant initiatives that have contributed to the community’s economic growth and quality of life. Examples include creation of a plan for redeveloping Kansas City’s downtown and growing the life sciences research and development in the region. A hallmark of the Civic Council is its focus on long-term issues that are strategic and informed by research. www.kcciviccouncil.org

Kate Sachse
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