The Port KC team wants to congratulate the Lee Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC) on its innovative decision to hire Joe Perry as its next President. Joe has been Port KC’s Vice President of Real Estate and Development for nearly 15 years. We can’t be happier for Joe as he takes this formative step in his career.
Joe has tackled over 70 projects as one of Port KC’s leaders. One of his shining feats was to develop and grow Berkley Riverfront into a vibrant and active neighborhood for Kansas City. Joe was instrumental in getting developers to see a forgotten and isolated property as a potential game changer for Kansas City’s world stage. His dedication and determination led to Union at Berkley being built followed by Core and the small business, Bar K. The success and capability of these projects opened developers’ eyes to see the potential of how the Missouri River and its riverfront stage could be one of their best decisions. Now a $1 billion Master Development Project is underway. Game changed. Mission complete. Joe changed Kansas City’s landscape, what could he do next?
It’s not just Joe’s vision that makes him such a big gain for LSEDC, it’s Joe’s leadership. Joe didn’t mean to stay at Port KC for 14+ years, but he cultivated a team and an environment that doesn’t make work feel like coming to work. Even with a CEO change mid-tenure, the environment, focus, and teamwork created since Joe joined in 2011 remained and flourished. Joe’s mentorship will bode well for LSEDC.
On behalf of Port KC, we wish Joe the best. He is one of the best when it comes to public-private partnerships, real estate and economic development relationships, and insight into the human experience. We will miss you, Joe. We can’t express enough gratitude for the hard work and connections you brought to Port KC. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.