LIBERTY — Following a nationwide search, the Clay County Commissioners unanimously voted April 24 to appoint Damon Hodges as the next county administrator at the commission’s work session. <n> Hodges has more than 20 years of public service experience and currently serves as the city administrator for Raytown.
The search began after the current County Administrator Dianna Wright announced her plans to retire in early November last year, in a county press release.
The commissioners partnered with the executive recruitment firm SGR to lead the search process to identify a qualified successor.
Hodges will officially assume his duties as county administrator on June 23.
Hodges has served as the city administrator for Raytown since 2018, where he led several citywide initiatives. Among his accomplishments are the successful passage of the largest stormwater general obligation bond in the city’s history, collaboration with the Board of Aldermen and staff to enhance workplace culture and employee facilities, completion of Raytown’s first salary study in over 20 years, and continued efforts to improve city operations and support sustainable growth.
Before becoming city administrator, Hodges served as Raytown’s public works director, managing infrastructure projects and community development. His public service career began with a 15-year tenure at the city of Kansas City, Missouri, where he played a role in redevelopment projects, including the Downtown Kansas City Power & Light Entertainment District, Beacon Hill and the Martin City infrastructure initiative. He also oversaw numerous roads, bridge, and capital improvement projects across the city.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hodges holds a master’s in business administration from Baker University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern University A&M College.
“I am honored to serve as the next Clay County administrator, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and elected officials to continue moving Clay County forward,” Hodges said. “I want to sincerely thank the Clay County Commissioners for their vote of confidence in appointing me to this vital role. I am deeply committed to serving the entire community that my family and I have proudly called home for the past 23 years.”
Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his confidence in Hodges.<n> “I look forward to working closely with our incoming County Administrator Damon Hodges as he assumes the duties of county administrator. Based on his history of excellence, I have every confidence in his ability to lead our staff to promote government efficiency, public safety, infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities for our citizens,” he said.
