Johnson County Government is proud to announce that Adam Norris, who has 20 years of executive leadership and management experience in government, has joined its leadership staff as assistant county manager. Norris began his duties on Jan. 22.

Most recently, Norris was deputy city manager and assistant city manager in Independence, Missouri, though his career in public service had its start in Johnson County. While still in school, Norris worked for the Overland Park Public Works Department where he repaired potholes, served on chip and seal teams, and even provided traffic control.

“From an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to making communities and the lives of others' better,” Norris said. “Serving local governments is a passion that has enabled me to fulfill both of those goals and so much more.”

Norris’ achievements at Independence included developing and implementing a five-year financial forecast, overseeing economic development projects, leading several organizational restructures/department mergers and creating the city’s health department and local public health authority. After Norris’ departure, Independence restructured and appointed two people to replace him.

Norris received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri – Columbia and his Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

After graduating from college, Adam began to build a career in local government by working in city manager/administrator offices in Blue Springs, Overland Park and Mission Hills in the Kansas City metro area as well as in Dallas, Texas.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Adam’s caliber and experience working in Johnson County Government,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “He knows the Kansas City area and has worked hard to improve every community in which he’s been employed. His experience navigating complex projects and situations aligns well with the work we do every day, and he is a proven and dedicated public servant.”