Kelvin Simmons
Education
University of Missouri-Kansas City, EMBA, Business Administration and Management, General
University of Missouri-Columbia, Bachelor of Arts, Communications and General Studies
Recognition
Lifetime Achievement Award, Missouri State Convention of the NAACP (2017)
50 Missourians You Should Know, Ingrams Magazine (2011)
Jordan McNeil Award, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (2009)
Governors Torch of Excellence Award for Leadership in Diversity State of Missouri, Jefferson City (2003)
100 Most Influential African Americans in Kansas City, Kansas City Globe (1997, 1998)
Organizations
Vine Street Community Improvement District (CID), Chairman, Kansas City
18th & Vine Policy Development Committee, City of Kansas City
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Program (MCHCP)
University of Missouri-Columbia Alumni Association, Life Member, Columbia
Missouri State Employee Retirement System, former member, Board of Trustees, Jefferson City
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Program (MCHCP), former member, Board of Trustees, Jefferson City
About
Amid the sea of registered Missouri lobbyists, Kelvin Simmons stands out as the only one who has been appointed by three different governors to hold three of the highest unelected posts in Missouri state government: Commissioner of the Office of Administration, Director of the Department of Economic Development, and Chairman of the Public Services Commission. No one else has ever held all three of these positions, for which he was unanimously confirmed by the Missouri Senate. Further, early on in his career, Kelvin was twice elected to the City Council in Kansas City, Mo.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Kelvin is deeply connected to the region’s local governments and has been very involved in the community for decades. One of the region’s biggest champions, he has deep roots in economic and community development, with a particular focus on affordable housing. For Kelvin, merging his passion for Kansas City with his commitment to helping like-minded clients has been a natural fit – an aspect of his storied career in which he takes great pride and satisfaction.
With a ground-level understanding of government operations, regulatory processes, and procurement strategy, Kelvin routinely guides clients through securing public contracts, shaping legislative outcomes, and advancing complex policy initiatives. His expertise spans multiple industries, including energy, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure, enabling him to evaluate client needs through different, yet intrinsically linked lenses, and to then develop the most effective strategy for achieving their success.
In 2018, Kelvin and his partners founded Nexus Group. His leadership and advocacy have helped clients achieve important policy objectives while enhancing their engagement with government entities.
One of the University of Missouri System’s shining examples of success in business and leadership, Kelvin earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and general studies from the Columbia campus; and later his Executive Master of Business Administration from the Kansas City campus.
While Kelvin’s client work takes him all over the state, he still calls Kansas City home.
FAQs
What roles have you held in government and public policy?
I’ve held multiple high-profile roles in Missouri state and local government and was appointed by three different governors to key roles. This experience includes:
- Commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration – Overseeing state budget and operations.
- Director of Economic Development, State of Missouri– Driving statewide economic growth through investment attraction, job creation, and business development initiatives.
- City Councilman, Kansas City, Mo. – Guiding local policy and community investment to support neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.
How does your background in government benefit Nexus Group’s clients?
Because I have been there and done that, I understand firsthand how the government works and what the red tape and pitfalls may be. As a governor appointee, I faced rigorous confirmation hearings. I earned the respect of politicians due to my ability to relate to their challenges and responsibilities, which has solidified my reputation with Missouri government affairs professionals.
What specific experience do you have in public policy, governmental affairs and lobbying?
I have been involved in procurement development, RFP responses, economic incentives and subsidies, regulatory and rulemaking monitoring, P3 development, business owner guidance and compliance amongst other activities.
What have you accomplished in the not-for-profit and private sectors that adds to your expertise?
I was a vice president at Swope Health Services, the largest Federally Qualified Health Care Center for both Missouri and Kansas. I also served as President/CEO for Swope Community Builders, (Now Community Builders of Kansas City), the largest community development corporation in Missouri specializing in affordable housing, commercial real estate and retail offerings as a part of its portfolio.
In 2012, I left state government to join the global law firm SNR Denton (now Dentons), where I served as a principal in the firm. At Dentons, I worked in the public policy and regulatory practice group division where I specialized in government relations, lobbying services, public policy development, procurement responses and Public/Private partnerships (P3’s). This work, in conjunction with my experience at Nexus Group enhanced my ability to advocate effectively for clients across sectors.