Jackson County, Missouri Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jackson County, Missouri has 4 executives leading key functions including administrative oversight, operational management, staff coordination, and deputy leadership.

Committed to public service excellence, Jackson County, Missouri delivers essential government resources, tax management, and community safety initiatives to ensure regional well-being and transparent governance for all residents.

Leadership Roles at Jackson County, Missouri

  • Chief Operating Officer - Gary Panethiere
  • Chief of Staff - Caleb Clifford
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Frederick Siems
  • Deputy Director - Karey Schulze
  • Gary Panethiere - Chief Operating Officer

    Gary Panethiere, the Chief Operating Officer at Jackson County, Missouri, directs the daily logistical functions and infrastructure maintenance required for effective county governance. Panethiere oversees the management of recreational facilities and public assets, ensuring that these resources remain safe and functional for visitors and residents. The Chief Operating Officer architects strategies to improve service delivery speed, particularly regarding permit processing and public records access. By integrating technology into operational workflows, Gary Panethiere reduces administrative bottlenecks and increases departmental productivity. This role requires constant collaboration with other executive leaders to align operational capacity with the broader mission of community well-being. Panethiere monitors regional service demands to allocate personnel and funding effectively across diverse county programs. Through the implementation of standardized operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high service quality, supporting the long-term stability and growth of the county's public infrastructure and essential community services.

    Caleb Clifford - Chief of Staff

    Caleb Clifford, the Chief of Staff at Jackson County, Missouri, manages strategic communications and facilitates high-level decision-making processes for the executive leadership team. Clifford coordinates legislative meetings and ensures that policy initiatives receive proper vetting before implementation. The Chief of Staff serves as the primary liaison between the county administration and external stakeholders, fostering public engagement and transparency. Caleb Clifford organizes internal projects that support health services and senior programs, ensuring that these initiatives align with the county's overarching mission. By managing the flow of information to the executive office, the Chief of Staff enables rapid responses to emerging community needs and public safety concerns. This role involves drafting policy frameworks and overseeing the execution of administrative directives. Through meticulous planning and stakeholder management, Clifford ensures that the county maintains a cohesive strategy, ultimately driving the successful delivery of government services across the entire region.

    Frederick Siems - Chief Administrative Officer

    Frederick Siems, the Chief Administrative Officer at Jackson County, Missouri, governs the internal business functions and organizational structure of the county government. Siems oversees human resources, budget allocation, and administrative compliance to ensure that all departments operate within legal and fiscal guidelines. The Chief Administrative Officer architects long-term financial strategies that support public safety initiatives and community development projects. By optimizing internal administrative processes, Frederick Siems enhances the efficiency of tax management and property assessment systems. This leadership role requires constant interaction with the Board to ensure that administrative policies reflect the needs of the public. Siems monitors regional economic trends to adjust administrative priorities, ensuring that the county remains resilient and responsive. Through the rigorous management of organizational resources, the Chief Administrative Officer maintains the integrity of government operations, providing a stable foundation for the delivery of essential services to the entire population of the county.

    Karey Schulze - Deputy Director

    Karey Schulze, the Deputy Director at Jackson County, Missouri, manages critical departmental workflows and supports the execution of public service mandates. Schulze coordinates cross-functional teams to streamline tax management processes and property assessment accuracy across the region. By aligning internal resources with legislative goals, the Deputy Director ensures that government services remain accessible to residents and businesses alike. Karey Schulze maintains rigorous standards for operational efficiency, facilitating communication between various county departments to optimize service delivery. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in public safety and community health programs. Through consistent oversight of administrative functions, the Deputy Director strengthens the overall effectiveness of county operations. Schulze drives initiatives that enhance public engagement, ensuring that the county meets the evolving needs of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency in all government activities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jackson County, Missouri Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jackson County, Missouri?
    Jackson County, Missouri is led by Gary Panethiere (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Caleb Clifford (Chief of Staff) and Frederick Siems (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of Jackson County, Missouri’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jackson County, Missouri includes leaders such as Gary Panethiere (Chief Operating Officer), Caleb Clifford (Chief of Staff), Frederick Siems (Chief Administrative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jackson County, Missouri have?
    Jackson County, Missouri has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jackson County, Missouri’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jackson County, Missouri includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Director.