The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City has appointed Floyd O. May III as its next president, effective early October 2025. The announcement follows a national search and places a seasoned executive at the helm of one of the Midwest’s most influential civic-business coalitions, amid a broader push for inclusive economic development across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
May, a Kansas City native with over two decades of leadership experience spanning the public and private sectors, brings a resume that blends federal operational reform with tech-sector transformation. His appointment is expected to reinforce The Civic Council’s role as a convening force for regional prosperity, system equity, and economic competitiveness.
“I admire and respect The Civic Council’s deep history of improving quality of life here,” May stated in a prepared announcement, adding that he looks forward to “partnering with leaders across our community” to shape Kansas City’s future.
What does Floyd O. May III bring to The Civic Council in terms of leadership experience and strategic vision?
May most recently served as Chief Information Officer at SelectQuote, Inc., a publicly traded insurance platform headquartered in Kansas City. During his tenure, he led the company’s enterprise-wide digital transformation and cybersecurity program—moves credited with tripling revenue growth over a multiyear horizon. Prior to that, he held senior executive roles within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he managed large-scale federal initiatives targeting urban revitalization and equitable housing access.
These dual credentials—in scaling a Nasdaq-listed company’s technological backbone and directing complex public-sector change—are seen by institutional observers as ideal for leading a multi-stakeholder body like The Civic Council.
May’s selection also marks a return to local leadership for a figure already deeply embedded in Kansas City’s civic fabric. He currently serves on the boards of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, the SelectQuote Foundation, and the Pembroke Hill School. He is also a founding member and past Chair of the InspireCIO Kansas City chapter.
Why is The Civic Council’s role critical in Kansas City’s current economic and social landscape?
Founded in 1964, The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit composed of leading employers and civic influencers who collaborate on regional issues that range from infrastructure planning and workforce development to public safety and educational outcomes.
Its most recognized impact areas include the transformation of Kansas City’s downtown core, the expansion of life sciences R&D, and broader economic mobility initiatives. As an independent civic engine, The Civic Council operates with private-sector agility while aligning with local and state policy goals.
Analysts say the organization’s success hinges on its ability to act as both a strategic planner and coalition builder—roles that require not only political nuance but also the executive muscle to drive outcomes across fragmented jurisdictions and interest groups. May’s cross-sector track record is viewed as a strategic match for this dual mandate.
How have regional leaders and institutional stakeholders responded to the announcement?
The response from Kansas City’s civic leadership has been widely positive, with emphasis placed on May’s proven ability to build consensus and execute at scale.
Lisa Krigsten, Board Chair of The Civic Council and a board member at Dentons US, noted that May’s executive experience across healthcare, energy, and defense aligns with the region’s emerging growth sectors. She emphasized that Kansas City is entering a pivotal moment of opportunity—and that May’s strategic leadership will be instrumental in shaping the region’s “next chapter of inclusive prosperity.”
Rick Armstrong, President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, praised May’s “genuine honesty and enthusiasm for public safety,” calling him a “perfect board member” whose leadership had already deepened the Commission’s impact.
Don Hall, Jr., Executive Chairman of Hallmark Cards and Civic Council board member, described May as a leader who “combines capability with commitment,” noting his longstanding contributions to both corporate and community development in Kansas City.
What does May’s appointment signal for future initiatives around equity, infrastructure, and regional competitiveness?
With Kansas City continuing to position itself as a growth corridor for logistics, clean tech, defense, and healthcare innovation, The Civic Council’s influence will likely be amplified under May’s stewardship.
His experience at HUD—particularly in navigating federal-local partnerships—may prove valuable as Kansas City competes for national infrastructure funding and inclusive growth programs. Simultaneously, his background in cybersecurity and digital transformation could steer The Civic Council’s future priorities toward digital equity and tech workforce readiness, especially as AI and automation reshape regional labor markets.
May’s deep civic ties are expected to help bridge Kansas City’s historically persistent equity divides, particularly around race, housing access, and education. Observers also point to his longstanding involvement with Pembroke Hill School as evidence of his multigenerational investment in local institutions.
How does this leadership transition compare with previous strategic pivots at The Civic Council?
Over the years, The Civic Council has adapted its focus areas based on evolving regional needs—from downtown revitalization in the 1990s to workforce development and life sciences innovation in the 2010s. While previous leadership cycles emphasized sector-specific progress, May’s appointment comes at a moment when convergence across issues—public safety, digital inclusion, infrastructure, and health equity—is increasingly viewed as necessary.
With the federal government channeling billions into smart cities, climate-resilient infrastructure, and inclusive broadband rollouts, Kansas City’s ability to align business, civic, and governmental resources will define its national competitiveness. Insiders suggest that May’s experience coordinating multistakeholder initiatives will place him at the heart of this regional coordination effort.
What’s next for The Civic Council under Floyd O. May III?
May’s term officially begins in early October 2025, but groundwork for the next phase of The Civic Council’s strategic initiatives is already underway. According to the organization’s most recent statements, upcoming focus areas may include expansion of regional workforce coalitions, digital infrastructure investments and cybersecurity resilience, partnerships with local school districts and community colleges, and enhanced coordination on public safety and affordable housing.
Institutional stakeholders believe that under May’s leadership, The Civic Council is well-positioned to capitalize on both local momentum and federal policy tailwinds to accelerate inclusive growth across the Kansas City metro.
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