Today, Mayor Sly James appointed Amber Hackett to the Board of Parks and Recreation
Commissioners. Hackett was nominated for the board appointment through the Mayor’s Women’s Empowerment (WE) Initiative to include more women in positions of leadership in city government. The Women’s Foundation’s Appointment Project, which launched in April based on Women’s Foundation research conducted as part of the WE Initiative, is dedicated to increasing civic leadership opportunities for women. Today’s announcement marks the third appointment through the Appointments Project.
Hackett has worked in the Kansas City nonprofit sector since 2011 and currently serves as the Director of Corporate and Community Relations at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. She is also a licensed attorney and an active community volunteer.
“I’m pleased to announce Amber Hackett’s appointment to the Board of Parks and Recreation. Her background in both the non-profit and legal sectors, combined with her dedication to our community, makes her a solid choice for this position. A big thanks goes out to the Women’s Foundation for their leadership in nominating Ms. Hackett, further showcasing their commitment to building a stronger Kansas City,” said Mayor James.
Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation, said, “We are delighted our partnership with Mayor James’s office has led to another qualified and deserving woman being appointed to an important city position. We have no doubt that Ms. Hackett will serve the City well on the Parks and Recreation Board.”
“When women are asked, women serve; I’m a perfect example,” said Hackett. “I am honored and look forward to serving Kansas City on the Parks Board and am extremely grateful to the Women’s Foundation for their Appointments Project, an important initiative that is helping Mayor James’ office elevate women into more positions of leadership. There are many qualified, trained women in our community who are perfect for board service, but are too often overlooked or not asked. I hope my appointment is part of the spark that the Women’s Foundation and Mayor James have created to ignite continued success for Kansas City.”
The Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The Women’s Foundation guides women through the process of applying for these positions and recommends applicants for appointment.
The Parks and Recreation department is governed by a volunteer five-member Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor. The Kansas City Parks and Recreation department maintains close to 12,000 acres of parkland including 220 parks, 134 miles of trails and bikeways, 29 lakes, 98 playgrounds, hundreds of athletic fields and tennis courts, ten community centers, five public golf courses, and six museums. Additionally, miles of scenic boulevards and parkways crisscross the city, featuring 48 fountains and 117 memorials and sculptures.
Other partners in the Mayor’s WE initiative include UMKC’s Women’s Center and Central Exchange. UMKC’s Women’s Center is connecting a new generation of leaders interested in public service with internships in city government. Central Exchange is leading outreach efforts between women-owned businesses and the City of Kansas City.
More information on the activities of the Mayor’s Women’s Empowerment Initiative can be found here: http://kcmayor.org/we. Individuals interested in applying to serve on a Kansas City, Missouri board or commission throught the Appointments Project can learn more here: http://www.wfgkc.org/our-work/
