MARC leadership transition

After 36 years, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) will have a new executive director. 

David Warm stepped into his role in July 1990 and, under his leadership, MARC’s work has become widely regarded for innovation and effectiveness in transportation, environmental protection, emergency management, aging services, early education, and local government planning and cooperative services.

Warm announced his plans to retire during the November 2025 board meeting. “It’s been my honor to serve the region and I am proud of the contributions we’ve made," said Warm. "Our work at MARC has been enabled by elected officials and an extensive network of professional public servants and community partners who have cooperatively worked together to shape the future of our region. And I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the MARC staff, whose exceptional professionalism and skill underlie the capacity of this organization to be a valued and effective platform for progress.”

The MARC Board of Directors selected Geraldine Gardner as the organization’s next executive director in June 2026 following a national search.

Before their Sept. 22 meeting, the Executive Committee of the MARC Board of Directors, along with MARC's department directors, unveiled the new name for the MARC Boardroom — the David A. Warm Boardroom.

Ron Achelpohl, MARC's director of Transportation and Environment, marked the occasion by noting how David's leadership has enabled leaders from across the region to come together in meeting rooms to address issues and face challenges together, so it's only fitting to name the Boardroom in his honor.

"For the years to come, your name here will remind staff and community leaders who come through this door to aim high — and that it is by working together that we will accomplish great things," Achelpohl said.

A farewell reception was held on Sept. 24, to honor David Warm and celebrate more than three decades of leadership, service and dedication to the Kansas City region. Community leaders, including Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Reardon, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog and MARC Board Chair and Lee's Summit Mayor Beto Lopez, reflected on Warm's contributions to regional collaboration, local government partnerships and initiatives that have strengthened quality of life across the region.

Though he is retiring from MARC, Warm will remain in the region and intends to stay engaged.

Gardner will begin her tenure on Oct. 1, 2026. She most recently served as the executive director of the Centralina Regional Council in Charlotte, North Carolina.