Meet Our Board & Staff | KC Common Good

Emma Dubon-Ehle

Communications Coordinator

Emma Dubon-Ehle is a multi-disciplinary creative with a focus on brand strategy, design, copywriting, and website creation. She has over a decade of experience in helping organizations find clarity in their voice, visuals, and online presence, building brands with clarity, consistency, and creativity.

She has spent her career in nonprofit work with a dedication to empowering communities through resources and education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Northwest Missouri State University and an Associates Degree in Art from Cottey College.

Gary Jones, Jr.

KC 360 Manager

Gary brings more than seven years of experience to KC Common Good in public administration, community organizing, and juvenile justice in Kansas City, Michigan, and Arkansas. Most recently, Gary served Kansas City as its Community Engagement Coordinator and led the city’s first Office of Citizen Engagement, dedicated to educating and connecting residents to city services, public grants, and increasing capacity for neighborhoods. Through his work with the Office of Citizen Engagement, he made connections across Kansas City as the all-inclusive resource for residents to learn about city financing and grants, transparently communicating about the progress of major public programs.

Gary holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, he sits on the boards for Lyrik’s Institution, chair of the Social Action Committee for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Beta Omega chapter, and the Midwest chapter of the International Association for Public Participation.

JULIA KESARWANI

KC 360 Coordinator

Julia holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a B.A. in Psychology, with both degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. She previously served as a mental health therapist and consultant, in clinical, home, and school-based settings. She has experience and passion in advancing holistic approaches that prevent trauma in urban communities.

ERIC SCHUMACHER

Community Impact Manager

Eric joins KC Common Good with more than seven years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant writing, working with a diverse group of organizations in the Kansas City region and beyond. In his most recent role with Kansas City Scholars, he secured more than $1 million in grant funding and introduced new opportunities for future development.

Eric brings strong expertise in philanthropy development at the local, regional and national levels to his role as Community Impact Manager. His previous grant applications have resulted in nearly $4 million in fundraising from a variety of private, corporate, and public entities.

Eric holds a Master of Public Administration as well as bachelor’s degrees in political science and creative writing, all from the University of Kansas. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife and Boston Terrier, Norman.

Jeffrey J. Simon

Chairman of the Board

Jeffrey J. Simon is the managing partner at Husch Blackwell’s Kansas City office. As an associate of the firm since 1993, he represents Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders in trademark, trade dress, copyright, patent and trade secret cases, often involving valuable company assets that require the highest level of protection. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for KC Common since January 2023, leading the board in their efforts to bring the Kansas City Community together to reduce violence in our city.

Barbara Anne Washington

President & CEO

Barbara Anne Washington was re-elected in 2024 to represent southeastern Kansas City and Jackson County in the 9thSenatorial District. Prior to being elected to the Senate, she served in the Missouri House of Representatives for three years.

Senator Washington proudly supports increased economic development in her district, including preserving the notable “18th & Vine” district. She also advocates passionately for increased funding for educational opportunities and universal health care for all. In her district, she regularly presents programs designed to bring attention to the importance of small business development, juvenile justice reform, minority mental health awareness, crime reduction and environmental preservation.

When she’s not advocating for her district, Sen. Washington volunteers with her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the St. James United Methodist Church; the Metropolitan Community College’s Board of Trustees; Urban Summit; Freedom, Inc.; United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City; and the Urban Neighborhood Initiative.

In addition to her legislative duties, Sen. Washington is a practicing attorney who also possesses an MBA. She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s famed School of Journalism. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Avila University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Senator Washington is a lifelong Kansas City, Missouri, resident. She has one daughter and two grandsons.

Adam McClun

Director of Programs & Operations

Adam comes to KC Common Good from the Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust having served as a Program Officer. He oversaw a program that is developing diverse, emerging leaders within Kansas City organizations and directed grantmaking strategies locally and internationally. Prior to the foundation, he served as a community organizer in Kansas City and the Chicago area. Driving more inclusive community and economic development initiatives, he amplified marginalized voices, forged public and private collaboration, and convened wide varieties of stakeholders.

McClun holds a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in cross-cultural partnerships from Trinity International University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Iowa State University. Adam lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife, and two children.

Board of Directors & Staff

Board of Directorsand Staff

Staff

Board of Directors

Mr. Rick L. Armstrong

Mr. C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D.

Dr. Kimberly Beatty (Human Capital and Compensation Chair)

Mr. John Boucard (Research and Data Chair)

Ms. Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.

Mr. Jacob Derritt (Finance Co-Chair)

Mr. Terry Dunn

Ms. Karen Fenaroli (Development Chair)

Mr. Trey Humphrey (Advocacy Chair)

Ms. Melesa Johnson

Pastor Ron Lindsay

Mr. Beto Lopez (Finance Co-Chair)

Mr. Clyde McQueen

Mr. Stephen Penn

Mr. Joe Reardon

Mr. Gavri Schreiber

Mr. Charlie Shields

Mr. Jeffrey J. Simon (KCCG Board and Executive Chair)

Msgr. Stuart Swetland (Planning Chair)

Mr. Thomas F. Whittaker

Pastor Cassandra Wainright

Ms. Bridgette Williams

Mr. Henry Wash