On June 5, 2024, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson appointed Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) President and CEO Emmet Pierson, Jr., to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
“As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, the appointment is an honor and I look forward to adding new insights into the decision-making process for the stadiums, especially in this crucial moment for the future of the complex,” said Pierson.
It is a temporary appointment since the Missouri Legislature is in recess but will be confirmed in September when it reconvenes. The authority is appointed by the Missouri governor. Its five members must be qualified voters in Missouri and residents of Jackson County and no more than three commissioners can be from one political party. Jackson County legislators submit three names to the governor who then selects a commissioner with recommendation and approval of the Missouri state senate.
In the role, Pierson will help guide the future of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex in accordance with the authority’s mission. Its purpose is to oversee the upkeep and running of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex. It makes sure the complex is well managed, so it remains a premiere sports facility nationwide and governs any funding received from the state, county, Kansas City and any other sources.
Arguably its most visible job currently is to assess the suitability of locations, feasibility and design for sports and recreational facilities and acquire, construct, operate and maintain leases for the sports stadiums. With the 40-year, 3/8th-cent sales tax earmarked to help fund stadium projects for the two teams being rejected by voters in April, the stakes for the authority have never been higher.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the sports complex authority and I look forward to working collaboratively with city, county state officials and the teams to build a cohesive detailed plan that benefits all parties involved,” said Pierson.