Speakers

Cassie Pikarsky is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Truman Library Institute. In that role, she has served as project lead for a $30-million renovation of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri and the commission and installation of a statue of President Truman in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Cassie first began her career with the Truman Library Institute as a two-time college intern. Prior to returning to work for the 33rd president, she managed The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures transition from the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City, which included an $8-million upgrade to the facility and re-envisioning of the exhibits.

Courtney Thomas joined Newhouse as President + CEO in December 2019. Through her leadership, Newhouse has undergone a strategic revitalization of its vision, mission, values, approach, and brand. Courtney previously served as President + CEO of Great Plains SPCA and Central Exchange. She was named one of KC Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Kansas City. Courtney is also the recipient of the Silver Stevie Award, earning “Female Executive of the Year” honors within her market segment and was nominated for the ATHENA Leadership Award in 2019.

Lori Curtis Luther is Overland Park’s City Manager.

She was appointed by the Overland Park City Council on Monday, June 6, 2022. She is the sixth city manager of Overland Park.

 

Prior to working in Overland Park, Luther served as the city manager for the City of Beloit, Wisconsin.

Her city administration work has focused on budgeting and financial management, modern organizational leadership, strategic planning and economic development to support neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment.

Prior to serving as Beloit’s city manager, Luther was the county administrator for Peoria County, Illinois, city administrator for Waukesha, Wisconsin and city administrator for Reedsburg, Wisconsin.

Luther served as Overland Park’s assistant city manager from 2001 to 2005. She was involved in the transition of the private Overland Park Fire Department, Inc., to a public service department of the City; creation of the City’s emergency operations center; state and federal legislative agendas; development of the Capital Improvements Program and City budgets; and the transfer of ownership of the former Tomahawk Ridge Elementary School building from the Blue Valley School District to the City, paving the way for the facility to become Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.

Prior to serving as Overland Park’s assistant city manager, Luther served in the Johnson County Government, the City of Harrisonville, Missouri, and City of Kansas City. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University, and is a graduate of Olathe North High School.

Luther is married to her husband, Chris, a high school science teacher, and they have four children and two dogs.