Inside the Formation of PDA’s Kansas City Chapter

The formation of PDA’s newest Chapter in Kansas City began with an unexpected connection.

Erica Crenshaw, a PDA member since 2024 and the Chapter’s founding President, traces that connection back to an industry event in Toronto, where her husband met PDA President and CEO Debra McGuire, FASAE, MBA, IOM, CAE. A follow-up introduction led to a conversation closer to home in Overland Park, where Crenshaw saw clear alignment between the organization’s momentum and an opportunity in the Kansas City market.

That opportunity is rooted in the region itself and reflects a broader period of growth for PDA as it continues to expand its Chapter network across the country.

Kansas City is driven by privately held, family-owned, and employee-owned businesses, with more than 500 private companies across the metro area. Many operate at a global level while remaining closely tied to the local community. As these companies navigate growth, succession, and evolving board structures, the need for stronger governance and peer exchange is becoming more visible.

Drawing on her experience as a founder and business leader who has worked closely with boards, Crenshaw sees that shift clearly. “Kansas City is…a boardroom market in transition, where the need for sophisticated governance, independent directors, and trusted peer networks has never been more relevant.”

With that backdrop, the Chapter began to take shape. An initial group brought together by McGuire—including Shruti Dubey, Director at Conga; Jessica Hutchison, Consultant at CFAR and part of a third-generation manufacturing business; Sue Tran, former General Counsel at SC Johnson; and Crenshaw—expanded through local connections to include Travis Leonard, CFO of Lockton Companies; Wendy Guillies, Independent Board Director; Joni Cobb, Partner at Creative Planning; Deborah Orozco, SVP at Bank of America; and Madeleine McDonough, Chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon. Crenshaw continues to engage senior executives across the region with the goal of building a highly selective board of approximately 13 members. The group brings together operators, advisors, and independent directors from across the region.

From the outset, the focus has been less on scale and more on building a trusted, high-engagement community. “The real challenge is not demand but discipline in resisting the urge to grow too quickly,” Crenshaw notes, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where members can engage in candid, practical conversations.

As the Chapter enters its first year, that approach will guide its priorities: cultivating a strong member base, delivering relevant programming, and creating a forum where directors and executives can exchange real-world boardroom perspectives.