Ward I - Hillary Parker Thomas
Hometown: Overland Park
Occupation: Development Director
Years in Mission: 6
On Council since: January 2018
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
Outside of my Council work, I am the Development Director for the Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee (JCRB/AJC) which works to combat antisemitism in our region. In the nonprofit world, “development” is just a fancy name for fundraising. As a fundraiser, I love telling stories that help donors connect with the important work we do.
What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about organizations focused on social justice, children, and the environment. In my free
time, I serve as Policy Chair of Climate Action KC and as a Board Director for Shawnee Mission North Patron’s Art Gallery.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a Councilmember?
In my first term, I helped secure funding for a new dog park and now, I am hyper-focused on funding significant street (looking at you, 55th and 51st Streets) and park improvements. I also want to see the City invest in a permanent structure at the Market site.
What are you currently reading (or a recommended read)?
My most recent read was “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin, but a recommended read from me will
always be “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.
What are you most likely to be caught listening to on repeat?
Other than Cocomelon? I enjoy bluegrass, folk, funk, and jam bands.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from work?
With my family, enjoying the outdoors. Gardening, live music, traveling and yoga are other favorites.
What’s your favorite food?
Indian and Thai food.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
My daughters, Harper and Penelope. I want to make the world a better place, for them.
Favorite thing to do in Mission?
Council meetings, of course! I also love the Mission Market and our Mission breweries.
missionks.org
Ward II - Lea Loudon
Hometown: I moved a lot growing up in Wyoming, but consider Mission
my hometown since I’ve lived here the longest.
Occupation: Program Manager for ShowMe Healthy Relationships
Years in Mission: 20 years
On Council since: December 2021
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
In my work, I promote and facilitate relationship education classes teaching people how to assess the health of their romantic relationships, effective communication skills, and how to manage conflict. My favorite part of this job is promoting our program through community engagement and through our community partners. Learning healthy relationship skills can be life-changing.
What causes are you passionate about?
I want my time and efforts on the Council to be an extension of the work I do in my professional life
which has taught me that safe communities with good schools, affordable housing and thriving businesses
are ideal for children to become healthy and prosperous adults.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a Councilmember?
Helping Mission reach its potential as a flourishing small town with a strong sense of community, a
prosperous business district, and a beautiful place to live. I aspire to make it the “go-to” destination for
new businesses, and hope to highlight the creative side of our city with an emphasis on the arts.
What are you currently reading (or a recommended read)?
“Tidewater: A Novel of Pocahontas and the Jamestown Colony” by Libbie Hawker. I have always been fascinated by the culture of Native Americans and growing up in Wyoming I enjoyed visiting historical land sites on field trips.
What are you most likely to be caught listening to on repeat?
I tend to listen to TEDx Talks or podcasts as opposed to music these days.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from work?
Being outside digging in the dirt! This is my third year gardening in the raised beds my son and daughter
built for me, and I’m excited to see this year’s harvest.
What’s your favorite food?
I love all types of food, but my favorite is lasagna. My love of good food motivated me to learn to cook!
Who or what inspires you in your career?
People I love. Talking to them, helping them, and seeing them grow. I am inspired when I can support
people as they overcome the obstacles in their lives.
Favorite thing to do in Mission?
Getting out and interacting with my neighbors and others. Having a new dog to walk helps for sure!
Ward III - Debbie Kring
Hometown: Overland Park
Occupation: Retired from 30+ year career with U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
Years in Mission: 36
On Council since: June 1999
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
I am retired, so everything I do becomes a "favorite," but it’s probably a tie between picking up my grandson each day from school and bargain shopping!
What causes are you passionate about?
After a 35-year career with the EPA, sustainability is a big passion for me! I also support educational opportunities in the SM School District (including teaching resume writing and interviewing courses), and programs that support women seeking employment opportunities.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a Councilmember?
I am truly looking forward to the redevelopment of the Gateway project, and proud to support the efforts of Mission’s Sustainability Commission to move the City in a positive and sustainable direction.
What are you currently reading (or a recommended read)?
Just starting "Life is Messy" by Matthew Kelly.
What are you most likely to be caught listening to on repeat?
While sewing for 10 grandkids, it’s oldies (best of Frank Sinatra, best of Kingston Trio) on Alexa for me!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from work?
Making time to go to Broadmoor Park or a Mission small business (Brian's Bakery or Mission Fresh Fashion)
are favorites!
What’s your favorite food?
Probably pizza (Old Chicago Pizza is my favorite) or Mexican food (love Salsa Grill)!
Who or what inspires you in your career?
In my City role, it would be two Laura's - Laura McConwell (former Mayor) and Laura Smith (City Administrator). Both are smart, strong, and highly principled women who lead very "balanced" lives with integrity and honor at the forefront. Each has a unique sense of humor, and the ability to provide rational answers to difficult questions, while always maintaining an "I CARE" attitude! I am fortunate to know them!
Favorite thing to do in Mission?
I love to shop (A Fabulous Find and Tuesday Morning) and walk/drive around looking at the housing diversity in each neighborhood. My family and I have made Mission our home for 36+ years, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
Ward IV - Ken Davis
Hometown: DeKalb, IL, however I spent 14 years of my youth in Brazil
Occupation: Retired KU Faculty and Physical Therapist
Years in Mission: 31 (1991-2002, it was the City of Countryside)
On Council since: January 2018
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
I retired in 2015 as faculty at the KU Medical Center. Retirement allows me to travel and do more community service as a volunteer. Having spent 14 years of my youth in Brazil, I enjoy traveling throughout Latin America and other parts of the world. My community service includes City Council activities and
community clean-up projects in Mission and Kaw Point Park.
What causes are you passionate about?
I am a passionate about nature, bird watching and love live jazz and blues events plus Brazilian music.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a Councilmember?
I am looking forward to improving the residential streets in Mission. The aging infrastructure of our first
ring suburb required focused attention and repairs.
What are you currently reading (or a recommended read)?
"The Premonition" by Michael Lewis focuses on the public health signs that were ignored and contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are you most likely to be caught listening to on repeat?
Bossa nova, samba, and jazz.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from work?
Since I’m retired everyday is “off from work.” I do enjoy spending time in the garden with my wife and
our three cats.
What’s your favorite food?
Feijoada (the Brazilian national dish).
Who or what inspires you in your career?
The celestial wonder, marvels of nature and pioneer scientists that guided my career in healing arts and
the teaching profession.
Favorite thing to do in Mission?
To witness the community’s evolution and the development of neighborhood families.