County Administrator Announces Retirement
/After a distinguished career in public administration spanning over three decades, Clay County Administrator Dianna Wright announced plans to retire in February 2025. During her tenure, Dianna has worked alongside the Commission and county staff guiding the implementation of the new charter form of government, leading numerous initiatives focused on enhancing services, developing workforce talent, and strengthening partnerships with local communities. Wright worked closely with the Commissioners to adhere to and advance their primary missions of investment in public safety and infrastructure.
Clay County Administrator Dianna Wright
Significant milestones accomplished during Wright’s tenure include the adoption of Clay County’s Strategic Plan, adoption of the Clay County 2040 Compass Comprehensive Plan, the implementation of the County’s 5-year capital improvement plan, preparations for the launch of the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program, and the establishment of a countywide in-house GIS department, just to name a few. Wright has been committed to transparency and enhanced communication.
In 2024, she initiated the Citizens Academy, a strategic overview of County departments, operations, programs, and services. The bi-annual six-week academy provides participants with an understanding of how their county government operates.
Reflecting on her time with the County, Dianna Wright said, "It has been my great honor to serve Clay County and to work with such a dedicated team of public servants. Together, we’ve achieved many accomplishments, from improving infrastructure to ensuring that our services meet the evolving needs of our residents. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition as the County takes its next steps forward.”
Wright became Clay County Administrator on February 14, 2022. Prior to becoming County Administrator, she had extensive public sector experience serving over 30 years at the executive level, serving the City of Olathe, KS as Director for the Economy Focus Area and Resource Management for 10 years. Prior to this, she served as the City Administrator for the cities of Wentzville and Harrisonville, Missouri. She began her career in public administration in Gladstone, Missouri as Assistant to the City Manager/Administrator of Management Services. Ms. Wright is a graduate of Missouri State University and University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEADS program. Wright is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned the designation of “Credentialed Manager.”
Clay County’s Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his gratitude for Dianna’s service, stating, "We are grateful for Dianna’s leadership, which has been marked by a deep commitment to serving the people of Clay County. As we initiate a search for our next County Administrator, we remain committed to building on the solid foundation she has helped to create. We wish Dianna the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
The Clay County Commission will be conducting a search to identify and appoint a new County Administrator, with the goal of ensuring continued strong leadership for the County’s future.
Brian Watts contributed to this story.
