Jackson County names new Chief Administrative Officer

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is proud to announce that Sylvya J. Stevenson will serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer for Jackson County. In this leadership role, Stevenson will be responsible for ensuring multiple County activities, programs and policies related to the Executive’s Office are implemented, in addition to providing supervisory support to various county departments.

“Sylvya is a woman of immense integrity with effective communication, project management, problem solving and relationship-building skills,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Her determination, enthusiasm and new ideas will be a great addition to our team of forward-thinkers who are committed to improving how our government works. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m excited to welcome Sylvya to Jackson County and look forward to her playing a key role in helping us achieve success.”

Stevenson brings her extensive experience, training and knowledge in local and federal government operations to Jackson County. For the past three years, she has managed multi-million dollar budgets while overseeing the day-to-day budget, finance and accounting activities as a master budget analyst for Criterion Systems/USDA. Stevenson has had proven success supervising multiple teams and implementing projects from planning to operation that improved transparency, enhanced performance and eliminated inefficiencies. 

Prior roles and responsibilities include multiple years of service with the City of Kansas City, Missouri in the Office of Management and Budget and with the City of Mission Hills, Kansas coordinating with special projects as the assistant to the city administrator.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected for the Chief Administrative Officer appointment with Jackson County,” said Sylvya Stevenson. “While filled with excitement about the new opportunity, I look forward to working collectively with staff to responsibly and effectively serve the residents of Jackson County.”

Stevenson’s devotion to her professional career is matched by her passion for philanthropy. She is the founder and president of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. – Kansas City, in addition to being a member of many other notable professional organizations including the American Society for Public Administration, Centurions Leadership Program, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blacks in Government and the International City/County Management Association.

Upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, Stevenson matriculated to the University of Oklahoma where she earned a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in city management and public policy. 

Since being appointed County Executive, Executive White has worked to increase the diversity in senior leadership throughout the County. Stevenson is the ninth woman appointed to an executive leadership position during Executive White's tenure. She is assuming the role as Chief Administrative Officer after the retirement of Ed Stoll in September 2020. A picture and copy of her resume are attached.