The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City today announced the election of Paul Holewinski, President and CEO of Academy Bank, as Chair of the Civic Council.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260908241480/en/

The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City today announced the election of Paul Holewinski, President and CEO of Academy Bank, as Chair of the Civic Council.

The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City today announced the election of Paul Holewinski, President and CEO of Academy Bank, as Chair of the Civic Council.

Holewinski succeeds Lisa Krigsten, Dentons US Board Member, who served as Chair for the past two years and will continue her service to the Civic Council as immediate past Chair and leader of its Membership and Nominating Committee.

A longtime Civic Council member and most recently Vice Chair, Holewinski has played an important role in advancing several Civic Council initiatives, including his leadership of Kansas City Tomorrow, one of the organization’s signature programs for developing the region’s next generation of civic-minded leaders.

“The Civic Council has a remarkable legacy of bringing together business and civic leaders to tackle the complex issues that shape the future of our entire region,” said Holewinski. “I am honored to serve as Chair and excited to build on the momentum of Lisa and the many leaders who have shaped this organization over the past six decades. This is an important moment for Kansas City, we have a lot of momentum as a region, and I look forward to working alongside our members and regional partners to focus our collective leadership, expertise and resources on the growth opportunities that can strengthen our competitiveness, expand prosperity and improve quality of life across the region.”

“We’re excited that Paul is now Chair of the Civic Council,” said Don Hall, Jr., Civic Council Board Member and Executive Chairman of Hallmark Cards. “Paul has contributed his time, leadership and perspective to this organization for many years. He understands both the Civic Council’s history and the opportunity ahead of us, and he has consistently demonstrated the thoughtful, collaborative leadership that will serve our members and the Kansas City region well.”

Holewinski assumes the role following two transformational years under Krigsten’s leadership. During her tenure, the Civic Council sharpened its focus on long-term regional competitiveness while continuing to advance its mission of building a more inclusive and prosperous Kansas City region.

Among the organization’s accomplishments during Krigsten’s tenure was the launch of strategic work around the region’s Investment Playbook, with early momentum reflected in federal grants to KC BioHub and the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine to advance regional biomanufacturing and build a domestic supply chain of critical materials. The Civic Council also helped secure renewal of the Kansas City, Missouri, earnings tax; advanced an employer-led workforce approach across key Investment Playbook sectors through KC Rising; continued to strengthen BioNexus KC, PREP-KC and the Urban Neighborhood Initiative; graduated 56 leaders through Kansas City Tomorrow; and grew its membership with leaders positioned to help catalyze the organization’s work in the years ahead.

“Lisa led the Civic Council during a consequential period for both the organization and our region,” said Bill Gautreaux, Civic Council Board Member and Managing Partner of MLP Holdings LLC. “She brought clarity, purpose and an unwavering commitment to regional prosperity to the role. Under her leadership, the Civic Council strengthened its strategic focus, advanced significant initiatives and helped position the organization for the future, including the successful recruitment of President Floyd O. May III. Lisa helped position the Civic Council for the next chapter of impact. We are grateful for her leadership and fortunate that she will remain deeply engaged with the organization.”

Krigsten expressed confidence in Holewinski’s leadership and the future of the organization.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to see firsthand what is possible when Civic Council members bring their leadership and resources together around the future of our region,” said Krigsten. “Paul has been a trusted colleague and partner throughout my tenure. I have benefited from his thoughtful counsel and seen his commitment to the Civic Council and Kansas City firsthand. He is an inclusive, purposeful and strategic leader, and I am confident the Civic Council will continue to build momentum under his leadership.”

About The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City

The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization composed of influential employers and civic leaders who work collaboratively to address complex community challenges. Since its founding in 1964, The Civic Council has been a driving force behind initiatives that enhance the region’s economic vitality and quality of life, including downtown redevelopment and expanding life sciences research. The organization remains committed to fostering long-term, strategic solutions informed by research and partnership.

For more information, visit www.kcciviccouncil.org.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire