Parent, Poet, Neighbor
McPherson SOuL Chairperson
McPherson & Marion County Headstart Policy Council Chairperson
McPherson County MakerSpace Member at Large
2023 Candidate for McPherson City Commissioner of Public Lands & Facilities McPherson is quite a bit smaller than to my hometown in Kansas City, Kansas, but the quaintness has a charm, that ultimately outweighs the amenities of a bustling metr
opolis. Its why I decided to make it my home after studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at McPherson College. Although, life led me through several adventures from Kansas City, Hawai'i and Hutchinson before I circled back to Mac with my family. I appreciate this opportunity share a bit of my story and look forward to hearing yours sometime in return. Perhaps one of the things I've said most often growing up was, "but Mommy, it needs me!" Whether it was a rock, the smallest pumpkin at the patch, or an bee that had fallen in my drink, nothing was too small (or inanimate) to escape my concern. My compassion has been equally prominent in every endeavor I've pursued since. I recognized the influence the perfect (or worst) cup of coffee in the morning had on the rest of everyone's day. It's was an honor for me to be entrusted with such a pivotal moment of everyday life. I still have a business plan shelved for a coffee shop heavily inspired by my time at The Well, in case the right time and opportunity ever align. For the first year after my kiddo was born, I developed plans for a food truck. I was determined to use strictly local suppliers to source all of my ingredients and made great strides in building these connections. It's where I learned the economic impact of keeping local dollars local. Eventually, I had to face the music that the intense physical demands of a food truck is incompatible with my health. So, I shifted my focus to a concept for a cooperative of mobile vendors based out of Reno County, where I was living at the time. My goal was to lower the barriers of entry in offering quality products to customers, be competitive in the job market, and ultimately improve public health, safety, and prosperity overall. While my vision on how to meet these needs has changed, these values ultimately propelled me to where I am today. From networking and professional development during my time in Reno County, I learned a more holistic view of sustainability, incorporating stewardship as well. I ultimately believe we must care for our people, space, and resources simultaneously which are the values I'll bring specifically to the role of City Commissioner of Public Facilities. The scope of which I could accomplish this as an individual is not enough. Although I was living in Hutchinson at the time, I stayed involved in supporting McPherson business and through shopping local and the "McPherson Says Thanks!" small business recognitions. Through this time, I realized McPherson is my home and has captured my heart. So less than a year after moving to Hutchinson, I set my sights on moving back. Since buying my home in November 2022, I've been involved with McPherson Coalition for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity. With my background being largely in food equity, I now voluntarily serve on the Board of Directors with focus on the Community Fridge Project while supporting our other programs as able. Whether McPherson chooses me to be your City Commissioner of Public Facilities or not, it is my honor and privilege to serve this community in any capacity. All my Best,
Kieryn J.
