Jackson County Legislature nominates panels for Sports Complex Authority; finalists include local business and nonprofit leaders

The Jackson County Legislature interviewed multiple applicants for seats on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority on Feb. 24 and voted to forward candidate panels to the governor under two resolutions.

Why it matters: the Sports Complex Authority oversees the Truman Sports Complex and related leases, and its membership will play a role in stadium negotiations and preparations for large events including the FIFA World Cup and future facility maintenance.

Applicants with speaking time included Phil Loboda, Ken McLean, Lisa Pawlowski, Emmett Pearson Jr., John Fierro, Matthew Hasssey, Rob Binney, Matthew Tighe Grant, Carson Ross, Joe Hudson and others. Candidates described backgrounds ranging from legal and real estate experience to nonprofit leadership, public safety, labor and event security. Several applicants highlighted experience with lease negotiation, stadium operations and local redevelopment; multiple candidates emphasized interest in protecting county assets and maximizing use of the complex.

The Legislature first considered Resolution 21,868 (nominees to expire 07/15/2029). After ballots were cast and tallied in the chamber, members reported vote counts (Hass with 9, Hudson with 5, Benny with 4) and the chair announced the panel appearing to be Matthew Hasssey and Joe Hudson. The Legislature then considered Resolution 21,867 (nominees to expire 07/15/2028) and selected John Fierro and Ken McLean to forward to the governor. Legislators adopted both resolutions by voice or roll call (each vote was recorded in the transcript as passing by the count reported at the dais).

Candidates’ backgrounds (selected, as stated during interviews): - Phil Loboda: attorney with management and political experience who said he seeks to be one of three nominees forwarded to the governor. - Ken McLean: described long involvement with the Royals and redevelopment experience in Independence; referenced work on stadium and construction matters. - Lisa Pawlowski: fundraising and nonprofit budget experience; worked with the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners budget. - Emmett Pearson Jr.: president of Community Builders of Kansas City; cited property-management and lease experience. - John Fierro: CEO of Matty Road Center, longstanding nonprofit executive and former Parks Board president; recommended as nominee to forward. - Matthew Hasssey: former congressional staffer and commission member who referenced involvement in judicial and civic commissions. - Rob Binney: banking and real estate professional with local ties and prior civic involvement. - Matthew Tighe Grant: retired major from Kansas, Missouri Police Department and CEO of the Police Foundation; described stadium security and event experience. - Carson Ross: longtime elected official and private‑sector experience at Hallmark; noted prior service on the authority. - Joe Hudson: former labor leader and carpenter-union leader; described project negotiation experience and daily familiarity with the stadium area.

Actions (nominations and final votes): - Resolution 21,868 (Republican panel; term to 07/15/2029): motion to nominate and forward panel; reported ballot tallies: Matthew Hasssey (9), Joe Hudson (5), Rob Benny (4); chair announced Matthew Hasssey and Joe Hudson as forwardees; motion adopted (recorded as "9 yes" in roll call count). Outcome: approved. - Resolution 21,867 (term to 07/15/2028): reported tallies led to John Fierro (6) and Ken McLean (5) as top nominees; the Legislature moved to adopt a resolution forwarding John Fierro and Ken McLean and recorded the final voice/roll call as approved (9 yes recorded in transcript).

Votes and next steps: the Legislature’s adopted nomination panels will be transmitted to the governor’s office for final appointment decisions, per the statutory/charter process described during the meeting.

Several applicants mentioned near‑term priorities for the authority including stadium readiness for the World Cup, returning venues to their pre‑event condition after international events, contract and lease negotiations with teams, and maximizing tax‑payer value while maintaining the facilities.

Quotes (selection): - Phil Loboda, applicant: “I thought it was important to put my name in, to be in front of this legislature and then possibly in front of the governor to let him know that I'm interested in this position.” - Matthew Tighe Grant, applicant: “I think our community ... is going to be on an international spotlight and we do not have the opportunity to just be or just do good, but we have to be perfect.”

The Legislature’s clerk recorded individual ballots and the chair announced results from the floor; the transcripts include the roll‑call and voice votes for final adoption of both resolutions.