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NEWS RELEASE

For more than 20 years, Deputy City Manager Kimiko Black Gilmore has been helping shape Kansas City’s national and international footprint and now she has a new responsibility that allows her to continue showcasing the City. Gilmore was just named Director of Convention and Entertainment Facilities by City Manager Brian Platt.

“Kimiko has done so much for the City of Kansas City and done it so well, it made this an easy decision,” Platt said. “She is going to take what’s already a world-class operation with hard-working, dedicated employees, to the next level.”

“I am beyond excited,” said Gilmore, who will retain her Deputy City Manager position. “For many who attend events at our facilities, this is their first exposure to Kansas City and I want them to know we are glad to have them here and hope they love our city as much as we do!”

Gilmore began her career with the City in 2000 as a council aide and went on to build her professional portfolio in leadership positions in community development and as a U.S. Senate staffer. She returned to the City in 2009 as assistant to the City Manager and progressed to Assistant City Manager in 2012. After a stint as the Chief of Staff at her alma mater – the University of Missouri – Kansas City – she returned to City Hall as Deputy City Manager. As a city management professional, she has provided oversight in the areas of housing, health, human relations, legislative affairs, emergency management, corrections and neighborhoods. Gilmore helped lead the city’s efforts in several initiatives including the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and Events, the Royals 2015 World Series Parade and worked closely with representatives from the Kansas City Sports Commission to craft the city’s bids for the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The city’s Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department will host more than 200 events in 2022, ranging from conventions and Broadway shows to concerts to sporting events. City-managed facilities include Bartle Hall, Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall. Anyone interested in booking an event can call (816) 513-5000 or visit the Kansas City Convention Center website. For tourism information, go to VisitKC.

Media can contact Maggie Green, Media Relations Manager, at 816-379-6562.