Mayor Pro Tem Appointment Change

Mayor J. Beto Lopez has announced a change in the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem.

The mayor’s statement is below:

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO. – September 21, 2026 – Mayor J. Beto Lopez announced today that he has made a change in council leadership by appointing a new Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Lee's Summit.

Mayor Lopez has removed 1st District Councilmember Hillary Shields from the position of Mayor Pro Tem, effective immediately, and has appointed District 4 Councilmember Donnie Funk to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in her place.

"Councilmember Funk has the respect and admiration not only of his fellow councilmembers, but also of citizens both in and outside of his district," said Mayor Lopez. "He has been a strong representative for all residents of Lee's Summit and takes a highly collaborative approach to his role on the City Council. He was recently reelected by voters in April."

"The position of Mayor Pro Tem carries a unique responsibility to help facilitate collaboration among councilmembers and support a productive governing environment," Lopez said. "While differences of opinion are both expected and healthy, I believe our city is best served by leadership that consistently works to build consensus and bring people together. For that reason, I concluded that a change in the Mayor Pro Tem position was necessary."

"As Mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure our city's leadership reflects the values necessary to move Lee's Summit forward," Lopez said. "I want a Mayor Pro Tem who brings councilmembers together rather than divides them, someone in whom I can maintain trust and confidence, and someone who consistently puts the overall good of Lee's Summit ahead of personal or political interests."

"Healthy disagreement is an important part of representative government, but our residents expect us to work together, find common ground, and keep Lee's Summit first," Lopez continued. "Maintaining public trust and putting the interests of all our citizens above politics must remain our priority."

"This decision is about leadership and what I believe is best for the future of Lee's Summit," Lopez said. "I remain committed to working collaboratively with every member of the City Council and to fostering a governing environment where all voices are heard, respected, and focused on moving our community forward together."

The selection of Mayor Pro Tem is made by the Mayor. City administration has no role in this process. Questions about the appointment or other matters involving elected officials should be directed to the Mayor or the appropriate member of the City Council.