Appointment follows push for women in leadership

Following a push to get more women involved in city board and commissions, Mayor Sly James has appointed a new member to the Kansas City Fairness in City Contracts board. Betsy Lynch, an attorney and community leader, is the first woman to be appointed through the Appointments Project launched last April.

The Appointments Project is based on research conducted by the Women’s Foundation as part of the Mayor’s Women’s Empowerment Initiative to include more women in positions of leadership in city government.

Here’s more from the mayor’s office:

The Women’s Empowerment Initiative, the first of its kind in the nation, was launched last October in collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, Central Exchange, the Women’s Foundation, and the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Women’s Center. The overall goals of the Initiative are to ensure the City of Kansas City, Missouri is an inclusive, diverse organization that supports women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.  A blueprint of data-driven, research-based action items was unveiled in March and today’s announcement serves as another update on its progress.

“As an attorney and community leader, Betsy Lynch will provide great value to the Fairness in City Contracts Board and we were pleased to provide support to her through the appointments process,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation.  “Thanks again to Mayor James for his leadership in appointing Betsy Lynch and continuing to work to have boards and commissions reflect the population they serve.”

“I commend Betsy’s enthusiasm and commitment to service,” said Mayor Sly James. “She will certainly bring a great amount of experience and knowledge to the Fairness in City Contracts Board and I thank her for her commitment to Kansas City.”

Betsy Lynch is the owner of Lynch, Sharp & Associates, where she also is a practicing attorney.  She earned her B.A. at Westminster College and her J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“It is an honor to be one of the first women appointed to a board position from the Appointments Project.  The Women’s Foundation made the appointment process very easy and matched me to the commission that most suited my background, interests, and area of expertise,” said Betsy Lynch.