Damon Hodges Appointed New Clay County Administrator

Damon Hodges

Following a nationwide search, the Clay County Commissioners have unanimously voted to appoint Damon Hodges as the next County Administrator. Hodges has more than 20 years of public service experience and currently serves as the City Administrator for the City of Raytown, Missouri.

The search began shortly after the current County Administrator Dianna Wright announced her plans to retire on November 1st. The Commissioners partnered with the executive recruitment firm SGR to lead the search process to identify a qualified successor. Hodges will officially assume his duties as County Administrator on June 23, 2025.

Hodges has served as the City Administrator for Raytown since 2018, where he led several transformative city-wide initiatives. Among his key accomplishments are the successful passage of the largest stormwater general obligation bond in the city’s history, collaboration with the Board of Aldermen and staff to enhance workplace culture and employee facilities, completion of Raytown’s first salary study in over 20 years, and continued efforts to improve city operations and support sustainable growth.

Before becoming City Administrator, Hodges served as Raytown’s Public Works Director, managing critical infrastructure projects and community development. His public service career began with a 15-year tenure at the City of Kansas City, Missouri, where he played a central role in major redevelopment projects, including the Downtown Kansas City Power & Light Entertainment District, Beacon Hill, and the Martin City infrastructure initiative. He also oversaw numerous roads, bridge, and capital improvement projects across the city.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hodges holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Baker University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Southern University A&M College. He is an active member of his church and spent nearly a decade coaching youth sports, mentoring and inspiring young athletes. A devoted family man, Hodges has been married for 25 years and is the proud father of three children. As a long-time resident of Clay County, he brings a personal connection and deep commitment to the community he will now serve in this new leadership role.

“I am honored to serve as the next Clay County Administrator, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and elected officials to continue moving Clay County forward,” Hodges said. “I want to sincerely thank the Clay County Commissioners for their vote of confidence in appointing me to this vital role. I am deeply committed to serving the entire community that my family and I have proudly called home for the past 23 years.”

Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his confidence in Mr. Hodges, stating, "I look forward to working closely with our incoming County Administrator Damon Hodges as he assumes the duties of County Administrator. Based on his history of excellence, I have every confidence in his ability to lead our staff to promote government efficiency, public safety, infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities for our citizens."

Joann Lawson, Eastern Commissioner At-Large, echoed these sentiments: “I am delighted to welcome Damon Hodges to our team. Together, we will work to make Clay County an even better place to live, work, and thrive.”

Mr. Hodges brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to his new role. His leadership will focus on enhancing government efficiency, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic opportunities for the citizens of Clay County.

KPGZ News - Megan Sahlfeld contributed to this story.