Meet Gregg
I was elected to serve on the Overland Park City Council, representing Ward 4, on November 7, 2023.
I have had the privilege of living in Johnson County since 1994, and my wife, Staci, and I have called Overland Park home since 2004. I am a consulting executive who works with businesses across the region, and I bring my professional expertise and experience to my role as a candidate for city council.
My family and I have benefited greatly from the outstanding public schools in our community, and I am proud to say that all three of our adult children were educated in our local schools from K-12 and graduated from Kansas State University.
As a leader, I prioritize collaboration, community-building, and getting things done. I approach every issue with a sense of curiosity and a passion for listening to diverse perspectives. I strive to understand every important issue through an unbiased 360-degree lens, and I believe that transparency is a crucial component of effective leadership. To me, leadership is an activity, not a position.
Below, I have outlined some of my community service experiences that demonstrate my ability to lead and my commitment to making a positive difference in our community. By being actively involved in various organizations, I have shown that I truly care about the well-being of the people in our city and the future we build together.
Community Service Highlights:
- Chair, Overland Park Civil Service Commission
- Board Chair, KC Crime Commission TIPS Hotline
- Board VP, Heart of America Council – Boy Scouts
- Committee Chair, Troop 122 Overland Park
- President – Homeowners Association of Bentwood Park
- Leadership Overland Park
- Centurions Leadership Program
- Overland Park Police – Citizens Academy
- Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader
- Head coach: baseball, soccer
History of Leadership & Service
As a passionate community volunteer and servant leader, I take great pride in getting to know my neighbors through service. In my capacity as Chair of the Civil Service Commission for the City of Overland Park, I provide crucial oversight on hiring, promoting, and disciplinary appeals for our esteemed police department. I also serve as a board member of the Heart of America Boy Scouts and the KC Crime Commission TIPS Hotline. Furthermore, I have completed several leadership programs such as Leadership Overland Park and the Greater KC Centurions Leadership Program.
In addition to these leadership roles, I have completed the Citizens Academies with Overland Park Police, Olathe Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. I have served as a board member for the Greater KC Crime Commission, the American Cancer Society Development Committee, and as the President of our homeowners association. I also enjoy volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and small group leader for students ranging from kindergarten to high school. My love for sports has led me to serve as a head coach for youth baseball and soccer.
For my family, Overland Park has been one of the best choices we’ve made in our lives. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Overland Park as a member of the City Council. I am confident that my extensive community service experience and leadership skills will allow me to make a positive impact and help guide our community to an even brighter future.
Meet our family. Our 2 boys on the ends with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter in the middle.
It was an honor to be recognized by the City of Overland Park for my community service through my work on the Overland Park Police Civil Service Commission and the Greater KC TIPS Hotline.
Scouting has been very good to our family and our community. Both of our boys are Eagle Scouts. I serve locally and regionally on the scouting executive board of directors.
The issue of mental health is very important to me. On this day, I am hosting a panel discussion on behalf of Leadership OP with JoCo Mental Health, Shawnee Mission Schools and GiveMe20 specific to teen suicide.
Even after a long day hiking at our Overland Park Arboretum, Dakota wants to have more play time. We’re lucky that we have these great green spaces nearby.
Through my long-term involvement in Overland Park, I was sponsored by the Mayor to attend Leadership Overland Park. This intense 6 month program helped expand my knowledge of our city.
Our famiy is very supportive of our local schools and universities. My wife is a Jayhawk fan that has learned to root for the Wildcats being that our 3 children attended Kansas State University.
We are fortunate to live in a community that values youth sports. Some of my favorite memories are from coaching baseball and soccer.
I have been a cyclist my entire life, and I have recently rediscovered road cycling as my passion. Cycling allows me to see our streets, paths and neighborhoods up close while unwinding after a long day at work. I am seeking solutions for better community with all aspects of transportation. Find me on Strava.
Since 2011, I have served as a member of board of directors for the KC Crime Commission TIPS Hotline with a focus on Overland Park. I have served as the Board Chairman and President. Our mission is to facilitate a partnership between the community, the media and law enforcement in order make the metropolitan area a safer place to live, work and visit. Our newest advancement is Scholastics TIPS that helps our youth in high schools create a safer environment and also alert authorities for mental health crisis situations. We have intervened in 11 suicide attempts in OP-based schools in the first year.
My best days are spent helping youth-serving organizations bring their best ideas forward. I do this through scouting, junior crime stoppers, church youth group, athletics, youth mentoring and other activities.
Most of my community involvement has been focused on training tomorrow’s leaders. I was fortunate to have Chiefs Coach Andy Reid & his wife Tammy serve as my co-chairs for our fundraising and membership drives.
Our “Scholastic Tips” program has prevented 19 suicides, as well as enabled interventions in various in-school crimes, all while keeping tipsters anonymous. As a board member, I am very proud of what we are doing in the Blue Valley School District and Olathe Public Schools. Our program empowers students and teachers to create safer school environments. Since 2014, we have helped establish Scholastic Tips programs in many school districts such as Blue Valley, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Kansas City, KS., Raytown, Independence, Louisburg, North Kansas City, Park Hill, Fort Osage, Hickman Mills, and many other schools in the surrounding 9 county area.
It seems that the Summer season is ending & many have thoughts of back to school and college sports. I have truly enjoyed engaging with our residents, and it’s fascinating to hear about their top concerns. Whether it’s at the grocery store, along the walking paths, or during my door-to-door visits in the neighborhoods, I value the conversations I have with the voters of Overland Park. The interactions on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor also provide valuable insights.
When current topics arise, my approach is to gain a 360-degree perspective by understanding the issue from every angle. I aim to avoid living in a bubble and strive to represent our community with an open mind and a well-rounded view.
I greatly appreciate it when residents reach out directly or participate in my Ward 4 survey to share their ideas. Each resident’s voice matters, whether they’re suggesting more pickleball courts or expressing concerns about storm damage. I take all of these inputs seriously as I aim to be a proactive representative for our community.
Regarding my name, it’s Gregory, but I prefer to go by Gregg. Pronounced like “Reeses Peanut Butter,” it can be misspelled as “Reiss” or “Reece.” No matter how they spell or pronounce my name, I cherish the opportunity to connect with residents on a personal level and remain accessible for any questions or ideas they may have.
Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Ward 4 and Overland Park as a whole.