Brien M. Starner, CEcD
President

Brien M. Starner's economic development spans 20 years of work in the economic development profession. His work experience in organizational settings has included local government, corporate and public/private organizations that have spanned regional rural, metropolitan, countywide, state-based utility, and city environments.

Brien's educational and professional experience is supported with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from William Jewell College, a Certified Economic Developer designation earned through the International Economic Development Council, and completion of the professional Chamber of Commerce coursework through the Institute for Organization Management operated by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Brien's current position is President of the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation, a public and private member investor organization that also contracts with the City of Blue Springs to perform economic development services. Past positions held include: Director Economic Development, Overland Park Economic Development Council, Overland Park, Kansas; Director Economic Development and Corporate Real Estate Services, Aquila, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri and Monroe, Michigan; Executive Director, Leavenworth Area Development, Leavenworth, Kansas; Development Director, Kansas City Area Development Council, Kansas City, Missouri; and Community Planner II, Green Hills Regional Planning Commission, Trenton, Missouri.

Sherdia Lopez
Business & Investor Relations Manager

Sher's duties involve a major priority for the EDC in managing and leading local business outreach programs to generate business expansion and retention, and support the long-term growth of local employers. She is also responsible for managing investor relations for the organization.

Prior to January 2007, Sher was a tenured city employee in the economic development department. Her experience and background allow Sher to more fully support the business community and assist them with City processes, contacts, and understanding of community development requirements.

Sher's professional experience include Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) Project Coordinator certification, BREI State of Missouri Chair, published in the 2007 Metropolitan Who's Who and liaison to the following organizations: City of Blue Springs, KCADC, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, KC Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Jackson County Development Alliance, Business Retention Council, State of Missouri International Department, Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Missy Phillips
Executive Administrative Assistant

Missy Phillips joined the Blue Springs EDC in March, 2011.  Prior to the EDC, Missy enjoyed a season with her children as a stay-at-home Mom.  She has a degree in Elementary Education, and experience working with 5th graders.

Missy is responsible for the administrative functions of the office, as well as the coordination of Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings. 

Missy enjoys volunteering for her church and spending time with her husband and four children between the ages of 3 and 16.

Emagrace Colley
Strategic Events Coordinator

Emagrace Colley, a longtime area resident and community leader has accepted a 10 plus hour per week part-time position as Strategic Events Coordinator and will assist staff and volunteer in managin our annual meeting, GrowBlueSprings.com in conjuction with StartKC, and other events in the works. 

Emagrace brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and volunteer leadership from programs she was/is involved with throughout Blue Springs.  Emagrace was most recently a long-time employee of Haldex Inc. in Blue Springs, where in her last position she served as Controller.  She brings a strong and much needed skill set and experience in managing and leading volunteers as evidenced from her roles at St. Mary's Medical Center, Rotary and elsewhere.