“I have learned that the best candidates aren’t necessarily the most experienced individuals, but those willing to serve and work tirelessly to better their community.”
Mike and Jenny Slattery
Michael Slattery, a fifth generation Kansan who was born in Topeka, is a true servant leader and a fresh face on the Kansas political landscape. Mike and his wife, Jenny, have been investing in the future of Kansas as an energetic and dynamic team in the city of Mission and in youth initiatives in the Kansas City area.
Mike is the son of six-term congressman Jim Slattery, who served the 2nd District of Kansas from 1983 to 1995.
"I have always desired to be a part of the legislative process-largely thanks to my father's experiences," Mike says. "I have learned that the best candidates aren't necessarily the most experienced individuals, but those willing to serve and work tirelessly to better their community."
A strong belief in the importance of supporting public education, helping Kansas become a leader in finding new alternative energy sources, and ensuring that every Kansan has access to health care has compelled Mike to become a candidate for State Representative of the 24th district.
Mike and Jenny reside in Mission. Mike's parents, Jim and Linda, continue to serve the public and are active with various organizations and political issues and regularly volunteer to empower college student leaders.
The skills Mike acquired through his work and educational experiences make him an ideal candidate to represent the people of the 24th district. Mike graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science & Technology with an emphasis in Energy and Environmental Policy. During college, he worked as an intern for the National Institute of Health and the National Human Genome Research Institute. He also worked for Venoco Oil Company, researching renewable energy sources.
His professional experiences influenced his work ethic, energy level, and attitude. Mike works for J.E. Dunn Construction in the Kansas City area in project management. He recently was part of the leadership team on the new H&R Block World headquarters and the Applebee's Support Center Headquarters.
"Being a project manager requires many different skills, including fiscal responsibility, balancing the interests of various parties, and working within a team to achieve a common goal." Mike attributes his success in the workplace to the skills he learned from his parents.
Since their marriage, Mike and Jenny have continued to dedicate their lives to serving the community by volunteering with many organizations and causes, including traveling to Almaty, Kazakhstan where they served the needs of orphans for three months. Mike and Jenny were part of the leadership team of the National Prayer Breakfast of Australia. Locally, they have volunteered at The Learning Center, the community United Way chapter, and the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides fundraiser.
Mike serves on the City of Mission's Sustainable Governance Task Force, is an executive board member of Young Life Shawnee Mission, is a Young Leaders Group board member of the Urban Land Institute and a member of the Young Leaders Society for United Way. Mike is also representing the City of Mission in the Mid-American Regional Council's Academy for Sustainable Communities Leadership Series.