Unified Government of Wyandotte County Appoints Alan Howze as Interim County Administrator
In a decisive move to maintain organizational stability and prepare for a challenging fiscal year, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) has appointed Alan Howze as its new Interim County Administrator.
The decision, which was finalized during a full commission meeting, comes on the heels of the resignation of former County Administrator David Johnston.
Unanimous Commission Support and Transition Timeline
During the meeting, Mayor and CEO Christal Watson formally recommended Howze for the role, leading to a unanimous 8–0 vote by the Board of Commissioners.
Howze officially assumed his new responsibilities on July 6, 2026, for a transitional term set to run for up to six months, concluding no later than January 6, 2027. This period will allow the Unified Government to conduct a thorough and transparent national search for a permanent administrator while keeping operations running smoothly.
"This interim appointment reflects our commitment to responsible leadership, organizational stability, and good governance. Appointing an internal Interim County Administrator provides the stability our organization needs while we conduct a thoughtful, transparent national search."
— Mayor/CEO Christal Watson
A Proven Track Record in Municipal Operations
Alan Howze is a seasoned public sector executive with more than ten years of direct leadership experience within the Unified Government.
Career Highlights
- Chief Knowledge Officer (2016): Howze originally joined the UG in 2016 to spearhead data transparency, open data initiatives, and technology-driven efficiency.
- Assistant County Administrator: For the past eight years, he has served as Assistant County Administrator, overseeing a highly diverse portfolio of county operations and public services.
- National Policy and Consulting: Before joining local government, Howze served as a fellow with the IBM Center for the Business of Government and worked as a consultant, alongside direct experience working with Congress.
Broad Departmental Oversight
Throughout his tenure at the UG, Howze has managed or provided strategic oversight to almost every key department, including:
- Public Health & Human Services
- Transit and Community Development
- Technology, Performance, and Innovation
- Human Resources & Fire Services
- Appraiser’s Office and 3-1-1 Operations
Facing Oncoming Fiscal and Regional Challenges
The transition comes at a critical juncture as Wyandotte County faces immediate operational and economic demands.
Navigating Budget Season
Howze takes the helm just as the UG enters its highly critical budget season. The upcoming fiscal deliberations will require the administration to make tough, balanced decisions regarding tens of millions of dollars in unmet capital infrastructure needs and rising internal staffing costs.
Continuing Community and Economic Initiatives
Howze’s established focus on economic development and small business growth will remain central to his interim term. In 2025, he successfully led an initiative targeting the reduction of barriers for local entrepreneurs. Furthermore, his administration will continue to support the region's ongoing housing expansion plans, homelessness assistance programs, and localized events surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Commitments for the Interim Term
Accepting the appointment, Howze expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by the Mayor, Commission, and the public.
He plans to spend the coming weeks directly engaging with various departments to ensure alignment, maintain high-quality public services, and prepare the administration for its future permanent leadership.
"As we move forward together, as Interim Administrator, I remain committed to leading with the values that define our county: having integrity in every decision we make, compassion in how we serve, and accountability for our actions and results."
— Alan Howze, Interim County Administrator