Lauren Kepler
CHAIR
Newkirk Novak Construction Partners
11200 W 79th Street
Lenexa, KS 66214
(913) 312-9531
lauren.kepler@newkirknovak.com
Lauren is the Director of Business Development at Newkirk Novak Construction Partners. Graduating from The University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism with an emphasis on Strategic Communication, Lauren combines her passion for education, making connections and community impact to provide solutions for clients in her role at Newkirk Novak. As part of the Newkirk Novak leadership team, Lauren develops and leads strategy in the pursuit process, company direction and partner engagement. She has worked within the AEC industry for over a decade. In addition to Platte County EDC, Lauren currently serves on the boards of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Synergy Services and the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). She is also currently a participant in The Greater Kansas City Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program. A proud longtime resident and product of Park Hill School District, Lauren is looking forward to serving as Chair for PCEDC in 2023.
Darren Hennen
Vice-Chair
Olsson
1301 Burlington St, Suite 100
North Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 442-6002
dhennen@olsson.com
Darren is a Vice President and Office Leader for Olsson, a full service Engineering firm. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Darren has been engaged in numerous civic organizations. He is the past Chairman of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, is Past Chair and current Board member of Northland Neighborhoods Inc. and serves as Chair of the Platte County EDC Platte Purchase TIF Advisory Committee. Darren has served on the Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commission as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Governance Committee. Previously he served on the Kansas City Brownfield Commission and the Neighborhood Tourism Development Finance Board. Darren served on Platte County EDC Committees that were instrumental in advocating for the new KCI Terminal, Twin Creeks Task force and the Central Bank Sporting Complex. Darren maintains a undergraduate degree from the University of Central Missouri and an Executive MBA from Rockhurst University. Darren is a U.S. Army Veteran and resides in the Northland.
Brian Johanning
Secretary/Treasurer
Superior Bowen
520 W Pennway Street, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 298-5560
brian@superiorbowen.com
Brian is the Vice President of Business Development at Superior Bowen and focuses on strategic development initiatives. In this cross-disciplined role, he creates a culture of communication and performance across Superior Bowen and its affiliated companies. Brian’s background in heavy civil construction, engineering management, homebuilding and land development allows him to maintain a broad and all-encompassing perspective. As a leading development officer for Superior Bowen, Brian leads pursuit teams and looks for strategic partners to bring enhanced efficiencies to our clients. Brian holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. He and his wife Courtney are the proud parents of three girls and reside in Riverside, Missouri.
Scott Zigler
Immediate Past Chair
Zona Rosa
8640 N. Dixson Ave
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 656-8690
SZigler@trademarkproperty.com
Scott is currently the General Manager at Trademark Property Company overseeing Zona Rosa Town Center. Scott has over 20 years of commercial real estate experience including brokerage, development and management. Prior to joining Trademark, Scott owned and operated his own Real Estate firm for over 10 years, as well as worked for national real estate firms in Chicago and Kansas City. He is a proud alum of University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business and #1 ranked Real Estate Center. Scott lives in Overland Park and enjoys spending his down time with his wife, 2 daughters and doodle. He embodies his favorite Star Wars quote from Yoda, “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.”