APWA KC Metro Leadership Panel Discussion (Small Cities/Rural Communities & Women in Public Works)

Date & Time

• Friday, March 06, 2026
• 11:30 am – 01:00 pm

Location

• Powell Community Center
• 6200 Martway Street, Mission, KS 66202

Event Information

The APWA KC Metro Chapter’s Women in Public Works Committee and Small Cities/Rural Communities Committee are jointly hosting a panel discussion featuring women Public Works Directors from small communities. The panel will focus on the unique roles each director serves in their community and the different paths they have taken to leadership. Each panelist has forged her own journey, creating a lasting impact through public service. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, challenges, and insights from women leading public works departments and shaping their communities.

Host Committee

• Small Cities/Rural Communities
• Woman in Public Works Committee

Additional Information

• Speaker Names and Bios
  • Celia Kumke, P.E., Public Work Director, City of Merriam, KS

Celia Kumke currently works at the City of Merriam as the Public Works Director. She has over 20 years of experience in engineering and the public sector, including 10 years as Public Works Director in various cities in the Kansas City area.

Celia is passionate about serving in the public sector and creating long-term plans and visions to help improve the infrastructure in communities in which she works.

Celia obtained her Civil Engineering degree at the University of Kansas and is a licensed professional engineer.

• Sherri McIntyre, P.E., Public Work Director, City of Liberty, MO

Sherri K. McIntyre, P.E. has over 35 years of experience in transportation planning, project management, highway design and construction, sewer design, and building oversight. Working for MoDOT, City of Kansas City and private consultant. Served as an Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works for Kansas City Missouri for 10 years. After retiring from Kansas City, Missouri. She is currently serving as Public Works Director for the City of Liberty, Missouri.

Career project highlights include working on the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar project, City of Liberty City Hall renovations, new Missouri River bridges including the Chouteau and 291 Highway. There have been many new roadway projects including 152 Highway from N. Brighton west to I-435. You know that your career has spanned multiple years when the new pavement you worked on are being resurfaced.

Sherri has been active member in various roles of the Kansas City Metro chapter of APWA, as well as a past member on APWA’s National Engineering and Technology committee.

• • Stephanie Boyce, Public Work Director, City of Mission, KS

Stephanie Boyce is a dedicated public service professional with nearly two decades of experience in public works administration, operations, and community development. Known for her collaborative leadership style and practical problem-solving, she is passionate about building strong teams and resilient communities.

A California native, Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a teaching credential from San Diego State University. After spending two years in the classroom, she traded lesson plans for city plans and launched a rewarding career in local government. Over the past 19 years, she has served the communities of Lemon Grove, CA; Independence, MO; and Raytown, MO, and has served as the Public Works Director for the City of Mission, KS since January 2024.

Stephanie is an active member of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and Kansas Women Leading Government. She is especially committed to advancing gender equity in public service and values organizations that support and empower women leaders.

Outside of work, Stephanie has been married for nearly 23 years and is a proud sports-mom to two boys. She enjoys cooking, unwinding at the lake or beach, and exploring the U.S. with her family. A long-time volunteer, Stephanie has supported the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for more than 20 years and has volunteered with Lasagna Love since 2021, preparing monthly meals for families in need.

• Registration/Pricing Information
  • $20/individual – includes lunch
  • 40 max seats
  • registration closes 03/04/2026

Contact Information

If you have any questions or dietary restrictions, please email Tania Tavakkoli (tania.tavakkoli@opkansas.org)