Get to Know Jeanie
Background & Experience
During her 30-year career at the Kansas City Ballet, she made her debut as a professional dancer and evolved to become the company’s costume designer. Starting strictly as artist, she learned the business side of performing arts while doing her job. She managed a budget of over $500,000 in a single year, concluding the year within the budget.
Collaboration and conflict resolution are critical skills for an effective council member. Jeanie developed her skills as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) where she was called to become a board-certified health care chaplain.
She gained valuable experience as manager of the spiritual care department of St. Joseph Medical Center. During her 12-year management career, she honed her abilities in working with people and in managing a budget under strict oversight.
On the Council
Ever since her election in 2023, Jeanie has been all over Ward Two and Shawnee. Her activities include volunteering, taking part in downtown redevelopment, working on the Visit Shawnee Advisory committee, attending the Citizen Police Academy, participating in the Service to Shawnee partnership, as a member of Friends of Shawnee Town 1929, an active participant in the Sister Cities program, and a member of the Irish American Club of Shawnee.
She feels particular satisfaction from her work with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. She works to continue the revitalization of the downtown area.
Jeanie has published an email newsletter since early in her term. She now produces it with Eric Persson, her fellow Ward 2 councilmember.
A new edition arrives a few days after each council meeting. It summarizes the Council’s actions, explains key decisions, and provides background on the most important items. She and Eric explain the thinking behind their votes on key issues.
Occasional special editions take a closer look at larger topics, such as the city’s budget, development incentives, and state legislation that affects Shawnee.
Your Ward 2 councilmembers also host regular town hall meetings, and anyone is welcome. We’ll share upcoming dates in the newsletter and on the News and Information page here.
The Principles That Guide My Service
My approach to city government is simple: keep it nonpartisan, practical, and focused on the people who live here.
City government handles the everyday things that shape our lives—public safety, streets and sidewalks, budget, parks, and land‑use decisions. These are basic, local issues that deserve common sense, local solutions. City government’s main job is to keep our city safe, running smoothly, and financially solid.
I believe local elected officials should be responsive and accountable. That means listening to residents, being honest about challenges, and giving people a real voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods. At its best, local government isn’t about ideology or national issues. It’s about solving problems, using resources wisely, and protecting the quality of life we all share in Shawnee.
Service has always been a way of life in my family. I’m a proud Army brat who lived in eight states before eventually choosing Shawnee as my home more than 20 years ago. Both my father and brother served over 20 years in the US Army before retiring.
The call to service played a big role in my decision to attend seminary so I could serve in the ministry.
I chose to run for city council because of the chance to serve. I am very grateful to have the chance to serve now in city government.