Joanne M. Collins is a full time volunteer, a member of 32 non-profit organizations (serving on 15 of their boards and currently chairing 5 of them!). She has held presidential, gubernatorial, regional, county, and local appointments, and was a KCMO City Council Member At-Large for 17 years. She served as Finance and Audit Committee Chair, Mayor Pro-Tem and Acting Mayor, ran for congress twice and seconded the nomination of President George H.W. Bush. Banking, insurance, real estate sales, postal services and community building have been her primary professions. She actively recruits and supports minority women for elective and appointed public offices while encouraging young people to serve as volunteers. She is a widow with 2 children, 3 step-children, 6 grandchildren and 9 step-grandchildren. She travels one week each month for personal enrichment and enjoyment.
James Denneny was one of Kansas City’s staunchest supporters, serving the community in a variety of capacities, continually working to make our city a better place. Joanne embodies Denney’s legacy to Kansas City and we congratulate her on winning this year’s award! It will be presented at the annual Cornerstone event in May.