Donna's focus is in real estate development and municipal matters. She represents clients in zoning, subdivision and land use; commercial and affordable-housing projects; economic development incentives; and public/private partnerships. She has served as counsel to national retailers and community development corporations in matters such as public improvement projects and lease negotiations for free-standing and shopping center locations. Also, she has secured more than 100 zoning approvals for telecommunication sites.
Before joining the firm, Donna was legal counsel for Kauffman Scholars Inc. and the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, both entities of the Kauffman Foundation. She also served as board secretary and attorney for the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, where she presided over disciplinary matters, provided advice on department rules/regulations, developed policies for the Office of Community Complaints and negotiated settlements of various lawsuits.
Awards & Recognitions
ˇ Ingram's magazine, "40 Under 40," 2000
ˇ National Bar Association's Presidential Award, 2008
Professional Associations & Memberships
ˇ Jackson County Bar Association
ˇ The Missouri Bar
ˇ National Bar Association, Mid-Year Conference, Chair, 2008
Civic Involvement
ˇ Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, Board of Directors, 2007-2009
ˇ Blue Hills Homes Corporation, Board of Directors, 1998-2003
ˇ Citizens' Commission on Municipal Revenue, Kansas City
ˇ Environmental & Waste Minimization Commission of Kansas City, 1994-1996
ˇ The First Step Fund, Board of Directors, 2000-2002
ˇ Freedom Incorporated, Board of Directors, 2000-2003
ˇ Health Midwest, Visiting Nurse Services, Board of Directors, 1996-1998
ˇ Kansas City Downtown Minority Development Corporation, Board of Directors, 2009-present; Chair, 2012-present
ˇ Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Jamison Partners, 1999-2001
ˇ Kansas City 353 Program Review Committee, 2001-2003
ˇ Landmarks Commission of Kansas City, 1996-2005
ˇ The Links Incorporated, Jackson County Missouri Chapter
ˇ Mayor's High Five Educational Advisory Board, Board of Directors, 1998-1999
ˇ Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center Advisory Council
ˇ Niles Home for Children, Board of Directors, 2000-2004
ˇ St. James United Methodist Church, Board of Trustees, Vice Chair, 2002-2004; Church Council, Vice Chair, 1997-2001
ˇ The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Board of Directors,1999-2005
News & Publications
News
2.13.12, Former Kauffman Scholars General Counsel Joins Husch Blackwell