Meet the Board

Board President

Kris is a Captain at the Lee's Summit Fire Department and has been on our board for more than six years. As a member of the Lee's Summit Firefighters Association, Kris initially got involved with LSSS during the annual Boot Block in downtown Lee's Summit. Even after his term as President of the LSFA was over, Kris remains on the board and committed to serving the organization.

"I see LSSS’s role as providing appropriate resources to those in need in our community. Our community is full of good people, some of which just need a helping hand or good guidance," Presnell said. "LSSS has been able to adapt to the changing needs of our community and has become an advocate for many when they have no where else to turn."

Joel Wilson has served our board since the beginning of 2024. He initially got involved with our organization through the Rotary Club of Lee's Summit's 100 Hours of Service program that supports nonprofits around Lee's Summit.

Joel said that LSSS is recognized across the region for its programs and initiatives to help those in need.

"Lee's Summit Social Services is the biggest provider, across the board for people in need, in our community," Joel said. "They help with food, clothing and rental/bill assistance."

Bob White, a retired teacher and administrator, has served on our LSSS Board since January. Bob currently serves as the Operations and Business Services Director for the Lee's Summit Symphony.

Bob and his wife, Candy, are longtime LSSS donors and have been volunteering with our organization since 2007. Bob notes our mission to help with food insecurity, utility assistance and even providing clothing to those in need as our biggest role in Lee's Summit.

"LSSS serves the needs of those individuals and families who live in the Lee's Summit area so that they don't have to drive to Independence or Kansas City."

A dedicated member of our Board of Directors, Raul Guerrero has been serving us for more than 10 years.

Raul is a retired government worker who currently substitute teaches, works as a medical interpreting instructor (specifically in the Spanish-speaking community) and is involved in his church.

It was at the encouragement of fellow board member, Dr. Syrtiller Kabat, that Raul first got involved with our board (as both were members of Lee's Summit United Methodist Church).

Raul said LSSS fills a critical need in meeting the immediate short-term assistance often needed by members of the community.

"A continuing service in the back to school programs for students, not to forget the Christmas program that ensures children whose parents/guardians have enrolled as clients of LSSS receive a present," he said. "Emergency cash assistance for utilities, rent and vehicle repair to safeguard transportation to work. A first-stop service center to provide assistance or direct the client to the appropriate provider; on occasion, a language interpretation/translation service."

Raul also notes the "steady cadre of volunteers" that help offset costs at LSSS, thus providing additional service opportunities to those in need.

Amanda Geno is a police officer with the Lee's Summit Missouri Police Department. She has been a part of the LSSS board for one year. Although she initially became interested in board work through the LSPD partnership with LSSS, Amanda had previous experience volunteering with our organization, too.

Amanda said she would describe Lee's Summit Social Services as "essential" to the community.

"What makes LSSS unique is the family that started it and continues to run it. Also, the fact that they provide for their own community. I especially love the back to school and Christmas programs. They are able to provide and care for those that otherwise would be left without."