Three new local government professionals are joining the ELGL Board of Directors for three-year terms. ELGL is excited to announce the appointment of Mike Ekey, Olivia Hilton, and Jackie Wehmeyer to terms beginning on July 1, 2024.
“Mike, Olivia, and Jackie will add needed skill sets and perspective to ELGL,” said Warren Kagarise, ELGL Board Vice Chair and incoming Chair. “Their enthusiasm for this organization is infectious and I cannot wait for them to start working with the full Board.”
Each new Board Member will bring valuable experience to the role and ELGL.
Mike Ekey (LinkedIn) is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Belton, Missouri. He has more than a decade of experience in public service and higher education around the Kansas City area. Prior to his public service career, Mike served as a City Hall reporter for the Kansas City Star and an editor of the Northeast News.
“We are really excited to add Mike to the Board of Directors,” said Rafael Baptista, ELGL Board Secretary. “He will be able to immediately contribute to our communication and content efforts, and he has the love of local government that our members know ELGL for.”
Olivia Hilton (LinkedIn) is the Town Manager for the Town of Mount Jackson, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley. She has a passion for community engagement and enhancing quality of life through her local government work. Olivia has also worked in local government community development and as a marketing and event coordinator in the private sector.
“Olivia’s background and passion is a perfect fit for the ELGL Board,” said Cassie Johnson, ELGL Board Member. “We are so excited to bring back our in-person events in the coming years and Olivia will be key to that work, plus her experience working in a small community really adds a depth of perspective to the Board.”
Jackie Wehmeyer (LinkedIn) is the Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Florida, where she is responsible for the City’s strategic plan, library services, and code compliance. She has been a local government public servant for 29 years, with most of that experience in human resources.
“Jackie has already given back to ELGL through her volunteer work and in writing for the website,” said Meredith Reynolds, ELGL Board Member. “Her experience in human resources, strategic planning, and her service on other boards will be invaluable to the sustainability and effectiveness of ELGL.”
The ELGL Board of Directors is the official governing body for the organization. ELGL is a volunteer run organization and the Board both plans and executes the content and events for ELGL members. The Board also directs the work of volunteers and sets the strategic direction for the organization. You can learn more about the ELGL Board of Directors and find contact information at elgl.org/board.
Mike Ekey serves as the Assistant City Manager in Belton, Missouri. With more than a decade of public service in local government and higher education, Ekey has served in a variety of roles in communities around his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Before getting into public service, Ekey served as a City Hall reporter for the Kansas City Star and editor of the Northeast News. Following journalism, he worked in the marketing office for Metropolitan Community College and taught communications and technology classes there for five years. Ekey holds a bachelors in journalism from the University of Missouri and a masters in public administration from Park University. Although not an official title, he will also tell anyone willing to listen about his LEGO collection and how he is a top 50 LEGO Master Builder.
Olivia Hilton serves as the Town Manager of Mount Jackson, Virginia. One facet of her role is developing quality of life initiatives with a dual focus on community engagement and tourism. She has spearheaded the development of the Master Park & Pedestrian Connectivity Plan, improving river access, website development, planning and zoning, business support, beautification, and marketing. Olivia earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from James Madison University, a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Women’s Studies from Radford University. She has served in such capacities as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Director of Community Development within other localities, a consultant for a National Greek Organization, A Leisure and Event Coordinator for a luxury boutique hotel, and a Marketing Specialist for the private sector. Her passion for public service has led her back to the Shenandoah Valley. Olivia’s outside interests include riding her motorcycle, playing pickleball, and loving on her dachshund, Moe!
Jackie Wehmeyer has been a proud public servant to municipalities for 29 years, with most of her experience in Human Resources. Turning her focus from nurturing internal relationships to enriching external relationships, she is currently the Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Florida. She is responsible for the City’s strategic plan, is the Library Director and Code Compliance Liaison, is a key link between the City and its essential business partners, and assists with special projects. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. Jackie loves traveling with her family, cooking new and exciting dinners, and floating in the pool with or without an exotic cocktail.