Melissa Combs named Kennett City Administrator, begins role March 9
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
KENNETT, Mo., (KBSI) — The City of Kennett has hired Melissa Combs as its new city administrator. She will begin the role March 9, succeeding interim City Administrator Steve Rasmussen.
Combs brings more than a decade of experience in economic development and public administration, including work in business recruitment, grant writing and administration, public-private partnerships and organizational leadership.
Most recently, Combs served as director of economic development for Dunklin County. During her tenure, she helped recruit major employers to Kennett, including Acculevel, Cimtek Filtration and Delta Peanut. City officials said those projects created more than 100 jobs and generated more than $40 million in capital investment. She also helped secure nearly $7 million in grant funding for Dunklin County.
Combs previously served as executive director of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. She also held management positions with Walmart Stores Inc., where she oversaw operations and personnel and managed annual forecasting, sales and expense budgets of up to $135 million.
A graduate of Arkansas State University, Combs earned a Bachelor of Science in management and graduated cum laude. She is a Certified Economic Developer through the Missouri Economic Development Council.
Kennett Mayor Jake Crafton said Combs’ experience in both economic development and municipal management made her a strong candidate for the position.
“Her proven ability to recruit and retain businesses is just as critical to Kennett’s future as her ability to manage our city departments and budget,” Crafton said. “We look forward to continuing to bring non-taxpayer dollars into the city to strengthen infrastructure, improve services and support new business investment.”
City officials said Combs’ appointment comes as Kennett works to complete its first comprehensive plan since 1973, which will guide future growth, infrastructure, land use and community priorities.
Combs said she is honored to accept the position and looks forward to working with city leadership and residents.
“I look forward to working with the mayor, City Council, city staff and residents as we continue moving Kennett forward,” Combs said.
