County Administrator

The Clay County Commission appointed Dianna Wright as the County Administrator following an in-depth nationwide recruiting process.  The County Administrator’s duties include implementing the policies and priorities of the County Commissioners, serving as the Budget Officer, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the County.

A Missouri native, Ms. Wright has extensive public sector experience serving over 30 years at the executive level. Prior to her appointment as County Administrator she worked as the Director for the Economy Focus Area and Resource Management for the City of Olathe, Kansas. Prior to this, she served as the City Administrator for the cities of Wentzville and Harrisonville, Missouri. She began her career in public administration in Gladstone, Missouri as Assistant to the City Manager/Administrator of Management Services. Ms. Wright is a graduate of Missouri State University and University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEADS program. Ms. Wright is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned the designation of “Credentialed Manager.”

Ms. Wright has a vast background in all areas of local government operations including fiscal management, economic development, public works, public safety, community development, historic preservation, public relations and parks and recreation. She has developed and managed multi-fund budgets in excess of $430 million dollars, oversaw major infrastructure improvements, and worked on a variety of commercial development and redevelopment projects. 

Throughout her career, Ms. Wright has actively participated on non-profit boards of directors as a community volunteer and City management professional.   Ms. Wright began her employment with Clay County on February 14, 2022.  She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 40 years and they reside in Clay County.