Business Liaison/Chamber Director Announces Departure

Osawatomie, KS ­(May 1, 2023) – Kari Bradley, Business Liaison for the City of Osawatomie and Executive Director for the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce, announced today that she will be taking a position with First Option Bank.

“We have been so fortunate to have Kari serve as the City’s Business Liaison and as the Chamber Director in Osawatomie. Her passion for the job and community was contagious and has an everlasting impact,” said Mike Scanlon, City Manager. That sentiment was echoed by Doug Petroskey, President of the Chamber Board, who said, “Kari will certainly be missed and she’s left some hard shoes to fill.”

The City, working with the Chamber of Commerce, has begun developing a transition and recruitment plan for the position. Scanlon stated the hope is to transition over the next four to six weeks with Bradley assisting in whatever ways work best for her and First Option Bank.

“First Option plucked one of our best employees, but Kari staying in Miami County is really a win for everyone,” said Mayor Nick Hampson.

Bradley joined the Chamber of Commerce in July of 2020 and combined forces with the City of Osawatomie beginning in January of 2022 as the City’s first Business Liaison. As the Business Liaison, Bradley was responsible for many economic development projects and partnerships within Osawatomie and worked closely with Janet McRae of Miami County Economic Development and the Kansas Department of Commerce, including the Office of Rural Prosperity. She was an integral part of many ongoing development projects, including recent wins through the Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant program that will be investing in Osawatomie’s downtown.

As the part of the position, Bradley also served on numerous community boards including Osawatomie State Hospital Citizen’s Advisory Board, Miami County United Way, Miami County E-Community, and Miami County Community Foundation. She was also a designated Staff Liaison for many of the City of Osawatomie’s appointed boards, including the Tourism Committee, Trail Commission, and Arts Commission. Her passion for the community included service with the Alumni Association, John Brown Jamboree Committee, Lights on the Lake Committee, Freedom Festival, and many others.

The City of Osawatomie wishes Kari Bradley good luck in her next chapter, and looks forward to a continued partnership in her new position.

More information on the position and transition will be distributed through the City of Osawatomie and the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce as it becomes available.

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CONTACT

Sam Moon
Assistant City Manager
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(913) 755 - 2146 x103

Mike Scanlon
City Manager
[email protected]
(913) 755 - 2146 x107