Kansas City, Mo— Mayor Quinton Lucas on Wednesday announced new members of his office’s leadership team. Following former Director of Public Safety Melesa Johnson’s election to Jackson County Prosecutor, the mayor has appointed LaceShionna "Lace" Cline as the Mayor’s Director of Public Safety. The selection highlights the Mayor's continued dedication to improving public safety outcomes for all residents, visitors, and businesses in Kansas City.
Cline, a Kansas City native and an experienced litigator, brings 13 years of leadership to the position, having served as an assistant county prosecutor in two urban jurisdictions and law clerk to a federal judge. Cline previously served in private law practice. She obtained her undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Missouri.
"Lace Cline will be an outstanding Director of Public Safety who understands that public safety is essential to the long-term success of Kansas City as we continue to build on years of work to reduce violent and retaliatory crime," said Mayor Lucas. "Her prosecutorial experience and her skill working with neighborhoods will ensure she is a strong collaborator with local prosecutors, our police, crime victims, and residents and businesses in Kansas City."
"I am honored to serve as the Director of Public Safety for Kansas City," said Cline. "I look forward to working closely with neighborhood groups, KCPD, local and state leaders, and all in our community on solutions to our public safety challenges that will create a safer city for all."
In addition to Cline, the Mayor's Office welcomes three key hires. "Having recently announced more than $116 million in federal grant awards, continuing business attraction wins for our City, rising population, and improving public services, I am certain our outstanding new team members will continue my administration's track record of success for Kansas Citians," said Mayor Lucas.
Megan Strickland - Press Secretary
Megan.Strickland@KCMO.org --Cell - (816) 766-5134
Megan Strickland has been named the Mayor's Press Secretary. She previously worked in the City's Communications Department. A graduate of Arkansas State University, Strickland has years of experience in television, marketing, and content management. She is a talented multimedia storyteller who will ensure Kansas Citians are aware of the daily work and innovations of their local government.
Katherine Nace - Policy Director
Katherine Nace has been appointed Director of Public Policy. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Nace obtained her undergraduate degree at Truman State University and a Master of Public Policy from Brandeis University. She has worked in areas including drug use reduction, corrections, and community support. Nace previously served our country as a corps member of the United States Peace Corps in Guyana.
Jeffrey Lodermeier - Reta Jo Lewis Diplomatic Fellow
Jeffrey Lodermeier has been appointed by the United States Department of State for another year as a local government fellow for subnational diplomacy in the Office of Mayor Quinton Lucas, bolstering Kansas City's global relationships in preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026 with the State Department and other cities and businesses around the world. A long-tenured State Department official, Lodermeier has worked in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, holding a most recent appointment as the public affairs officer to the U.S. Mission in Brazil. Lodermeier attended Rockhurst University for his undergraduate degree and completed undergraduate studies at American University. He will serve in this role through the 2026 World Cup.