Search Press Releases

Press Release Archive

Press Releases

  |   Views: 3566

Carl L. Chinnery Named Citizen of the Year

Carl L. Chinnery Named Citizen of the Year

The City of Lee’s Summit and Mayor Bill Baird join the City of Lake Lotawana and Mayor Tracy Rasmussen in the selection of Carl Chinnery as the 2023 Citizen of the Year. Chinnery is recognized for his service to the communities, civic activities and legal work for nonprofits. He will be honored at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Annual Citizen’s Reception in early September and its “Toast to Our Towns” Gala on September 23.

Chinnery established his private law practice in 1976, now known as Chinnery Evans & Nail, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, concentrating on estate planning, probate, business law and real estate. At that time, Chinnery practiced law one day a week while employed as vice president of Kansas City Life Insurance Company. Early on he saw an opportunity to serve and invest in the community by providing free legal services to nonprofits. During his career, he provided legal assistance to more than 130 nonprofits, including churches, athletic organizations, humanitarian groups, and civic and service clubs. This work not only benefitted the nonprofit but also gave Chinnery valuable insight into how he could broaden his support to these organizations through volunteerism.    

Chinnery supported and was a founding member of a number of local civic organizations. Chinnery’s charitable services to Lee’s Summit include serving as chairman of the Community Foundation of Lee’s Summit, Summit Bank of Kansas City, Missouri Yacht Club and Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was past president of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council and Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. He also chaired the Planned Giving Committees of the Eastland Community Foundation, Truman Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Chinnery joined the service organization Rotary International in 1977. He served as District Governor of District 6040 from 2002 to 2003, the same year he was awarded the Rotary Presidential Citation. He served as the Major Donor Advisor, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Endowment Major Gift Advisor and Rotary International President’s Representative. His efforts helped grow the local group to the largest in the state.

Chinnery has committed most of his adult life to the elimination of polio, a devastating virus that affected his family as a young boy. Using his family’s experience as a motivator, he has given more than 300 presentations worldwide and was instrumental in the immunization of 160 million children during India’s National Immunization Day. He received the District 6040 Humanitarian Award for Polio Eradication, the 2010 Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World and the International Service Award for a Polio Free World.

Chinnery is now retired and remains involved with the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary’s Feed Lee’s Summit and literacy programs.

“I cannot think of anyone who demonstrates civic responsibility more than Carl. Not only is he an accomplished business leader, but his contributions in time and talent to various nonprofits and organizations have made an indelible mark on our community,” said Mayor Bill Baird. “Carl recognizes the importance of local volunteerism and that by giving what you can, a person can directly improve the quality of life for those around him.”

The prestigious Citizen of the Year award recognizes exceptional citizens whose work

Print

Latest Press Releases

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities Department Achieves American Public Works Association Accreditation
Lee’s Summit Water Utilities Department Achieves American Public Works Association Accreditation

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities Department Achieves American Public Works Association Accreditation

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities is proud to announce it recently received full accreditation from the American Public Works Association. This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that Water Utilities complies with the recommended management practices set forth by the American Public Works Association. Accreditation aims to promote excellence in the operations and management of a public works agency and its employees. Accreditation is designed to...
Recruitment Open House
Recruitment Open House

Recruitment Open House

The Lee's Summit Fire Department will host a Recruiting Open House to provide an opportunity for anyone interested in a rewarding career with the Lee's Summit Fire Department to ask questions and fill out an application. LSFD is seeking qualified applicants for Fire and EMS dispatcher, firefighter/paramedic, and firefighter/EMT positions. DATE:                July 20, 2024    WHERE:     ...
Lee’s Summit Blood Drive for Hospital Patients
Lee’s Summit Blood Drive for Hospital Patients

Lee’s Summit Blood Drive for Hospital Patients

In partnership with the Community Blood Center, the City of Lee's Summit will host a blood drive on Monday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City’s Maintenance Facility located at 1971 SE Hamblen Road. The Community Blood Center is offering Royals t-shirts to donors while supplies last. The Community Blood Center says now more than ever is the time to donate. About 600 units of blood are needed daily to meet the needs of area hospital patients. As...
Dave Eames Named Citizen of the Year
Dave Eames Named Citizen of the Year

Dave Eames Named Citizen of the Year

The City of Lee’s Summit and Mayor Bill Baird are proud to name Dave Eames as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Eames was chosen for his decades of service to Lee’s Summit through business and volunteerism and the positivity he brings to the Lee’s Summit community. In September he will be honored at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Annual Citizens Reception and its Toast to Our Towns Gala.

Fireworks in Lee's Summit
Fireworks in Lee's Summit

Fireworks in Lee's Summit

If your Independence Day celebration plans include fireworks, remember to use them responsibly and follow local regulations and safety guidelines. For 2023, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five were from firework misuse, two were from a device malfunction, and one involved unknown circumstances. In addition to injuries, there is an...
1345Last