Director of Water Utilities Mark Schaufler Announces Retirement
Following a distinguished career of more than 40 years of public service, Director of Water Utilities Mark Schaufler has announced his retirement effective Feb. 3. Schaufler has led Lee’s Summit Water Utilities for the past 21 years, shaping it into a nationally accredited and award-winning agency committed to exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
“Mark has been a key figure in the success and transformation of Lee’s Summit Water Utilities,” said City Manager Mark Dunning. “His dedication and leadership have not only improved the department but also had a lasting impact on the community. Under his direction, the department achieved national accreditation and received numerous accolades, including being ranked among the top 10% of utilities nationwide for customer satisfaction.”
Schaufler joined the City of Lee’s Summit in 1994 and became the water utilities director in 2003. Over the years, he has led the department through significant accomplishments, including completing $90 million in capital improvements and developing the first Water Utilities Service Center, a $15 million facility designed to serve the community for decades. Under his leadership, the department achieved financial sustainability by retiring all outstanding debt while maintaining competitive water and sewer rates in the Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2024, Water Utilities received accreditation through the American Public Works Association, adding to the City of Lee’s Summit’s distinction of having five nationally accredited departments.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service, Schaufler was honored with the 2023 Mo-AWWA Donald R. Boyd Award for managerial excellence and the 2024 Reflections of Character Award from Lee’s Summit CARES.
Schaufler’s efforts have also contributed to the broader community. As chair of the City Manager’s Safe Community Task Force, he played a pivotal role in initiatives to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Lee’s Summit. He earned the Community Oriented Policing Award from the Lee’s Summit Police Department for his work. Schaufler also served on the City Hall Planning Committee during the construction of the current city hall, which opened in 2006. Recently, he led the development of the City’s first formal mentoring program, helping to improve employee satisfaction and retention.
“It has been a true honor to serve the City of Lee’s Summit and its residents,” Schaufler said. “I am proud of what we have achieved as a team and grateful for the talented and dedicated employees who made these accomplishments possible. I am confident that Water Utilities will continue to thrive and serve the community with the same commitment and excellence into the future.”