Excelsior Springs, Mo. – In February 2025, Mallory Brown stepped into her new role as Community Development Director for the City of Excelsior Springs. With more than a decade of municipal government experience and a passion for developing communities, Brown brings a thoughtful and fresh style to a city she describes as “unlike any other in Clay County.”
After beginning her career as a graduate of the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies, Brown went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Park University. She has spent her career serving in city governments across the metro area, including North Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri. Her most recent role prior to joining Excelsior was as Deputy City Clerk for North Kansas City, where she served for over three years. Her earlier positions included Special Projects Manager for the City of Liberty and Permit Technician in North Kansas City, where she built knowledge of zoning, permitting, and the inner workings of city hall.
Brown’s experience now guides her approach to development in Excelsior Springs. “This city is so unique,” she said. “Its topography and culture are truly one-of-a-kind. It doesn’t look like anywhere else in Clay County, and that’s something we should continue to build on.” She shared that she has always had an interest in historic preservation balanced with future development, so Excelsior Springs seemed like a perfect fit for her next adventure.
A sense of history, she says, is worth protecting and enhancing. Brown is particularly interested in improving walkability and revitalizing downtown nightlife, a goal she helped advance during her time in North Kansas City. “There’s a natural direction this city is already headed in,” she said. “My role is to help remove barriers and make sure that quality development happens in a way that stays true to who we are.”
In her view, Excelsior Springs doesn’t need to reinvent itself, and it needs to keep leaning into its strengths. That’s where her personal values of authenticity and inclusivity come in.
“Authenticity means not trying to be anyone or anywhere else. We don’t need to mimic another town to be successful, we just need to keep being ourselves,” she said. “Inclusivity, to me, means being open to everyone’s perspectives, even when we don’t agree. It’s okay to change your mind when you’ve listened and learned. That kind of openness is what helps a community grow.”
Brown encourages residents to get involved with their city, whether it’s by attending City Council meetings, engaging with local agendas, or simply getting to know their neighbors.
While she’s quickly making a professional mark in Excelsior Springs, Brown is keeping busy in her personal life. She and her husband, Josh Brown, who works in law enforcement, live a busy and full life with their three children: Addison, Tessa, and Clayton. Brown jokes that her main hobby is “being a mom,” as much of her free time is spent driving her kids to sports practices, school activities, and family events. When she does find a moment to unwind, she enjoys baking, crafting, volunteering, and spending summer weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks.
“Everyone here has been so kind,” Brown shared. “There’s a real sense of community in this town, and I feel lucky to be part of it.” She hopes that her experience in larger cities and projects will help her tailor a plan for Excelsior Springs as a unique community, giving back by helping the city continue to grow in ways that feel authentic and natural.
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