Cecelia Carter was United WE’s first appointee for the Appointments Project, which launched in 2014. At the time, Cecelia served on the Kansas City Employees Retirement System (KCERS). She shares her experience in civic leadership and provides advice for others interested in working for change.
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Provide a bio or briefly tell us about yourself and your civic leadership journey.
I relocated to Kansas City, MO upon being appointed the Executive Director to the Kansas City Public School Retirement System. In this role, I was honored to administer the pension plan that represents the public servants of the Kansas City Public Schools, the Kansas City Public Libraries, the charter schools within the KCPS district, and the KCPSRS retirement system employees.
As the Executive Director, I engaged with other school district and city leaders as I got to know Kansas City. As I gained more understanding about Kansas City and its great history, I sought opportunities to sit on other boards to participate in shaping the city and its resources.
You were the first Appointments Project® appointee. What sparked your interest in the program?
When the Appointments Project was first announced I saw it as an opportunity to participate in Kansas City’s municipal government through board service. I was appointed to the Kansas City Employees Retirement System (KCERS). Given I had a career in pension and retirement administration, in addition to institutional investing, I was appointed to the Board of Trustees for KCERS.
What surprised and honored me were the telephone calls from Ms. Sanchez (KC Star), and Ms. Newsome (KSHB) requesting to interview me about being the first appointee under the Appointments Project. It was truly an honor.
Can you tell us about your experience with the program and your experience getting appointed?
I believe the process and appointment that I experienced was seamless. Within weeks after submitting my curriculum vitae (CV) and letter of interest, I received a call from the Mayor’s office informing me the Mayor (Mayor James) wanted to appoint me to the Board of Trustees of the City’s Employees Retirement System. My education and professional experience gave me the knowledge and foundation to sit at my first board meeting and participate as a veteran.
What were your biggest learnings from serving in an appointed role? What was your biggest accomplishment?
Given my education and professional experience, I was pretty astute to the administration and investing responsibilities associated with overseeing the pension plan for city employees. What I am proud of is engaging throughout the city and talking with city employees when they realize I sit on the board that oversees their future retirement income.
In a world where we’re beginning to see change happen, we know that we’ve only just begun. If you could share one piece of advice with other women about getting involved in civic leadership, what would it be?
It’s very simple: Always ask for what you want, don’t just accept what you are given. The worst that could happen is you are told no. You will never know what might have been, had you not asked.
What’s next for you in terms of civic leadership?
This appointment, along with other civic engagement opportunities I participate in, has given me the desire to run for elected public office. Although I did not prevail on my first run, I will try again. Additionally, I do plan to continue to explore other board and commission opportunities at the state and/or federal level.