For former Kansas City Mayor Sly James and his Chief of Staff Joni Wickham, GMLC alumna 2018,  have launched a consulting firm which was a “natural next step” in their careers.  The pair will particularly focus on education, climate change, economic development, and women’s leadership with the firm, Wickham James Strategies & Solutions, which already has clients.

Joni is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina,  In her eight years with the mayor’s office—the majority of them spent as Chief of Staff—Joni has proven herself as an accomplished political strategist, communications expert, and organizational leader. She directed public policy initiatives, communications tactics, and administrative decision-making during her tenure, all while promoting women’s leadership and empowerment issues. Prior to her time at City Hall, Joni worked with the American Federation of Teachers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and in the office of Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.

Congratulations Joni!