IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and legacy of Carrie E. Stapleton.
RESOLUTION NO. 22262, April 29, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
WHEREAS, Carrie was born on October 16, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, to John West Stapleton and Audrey June (Stewart) Stapleton; and,
WHEREAS, Carrie Stapleton, a pioneering Kansas City public relations professional, business owner, and tireless community advocate, passed away on April 18, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, for more than four decades, Carrie helped shape how Kansas City told its stories, amplifying community voices, advancing civic initiatives, and building bridges across business, government, and grassroots organizations; and,
WHEREAS, through her firm, Phillips-West Public Relations & Communications, she became one of the region’s most respected communications strategists, known for her deep media relationships and unwavering commitment to community impact; and,
WHEREAS, she graduated from Southeast High School in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Fashion Marketing from Kansas State University in 1976; and,
WHEREAS, Carrie began her career in journalism as a reporter, weekly columnist, and Assistant People Page Editor for The Salina Journal, where she covered features, news, and human-interest stories while also contributing to layout and photography; and,
WHEREAS, Carrie founded Phillips-West Public Relations & Communications in 1988 as a full-service African American/woman-owned public relations, advertising, marketing, and special events firm serving local and national clients; and,
WHEREAS, for more than ten years, Phillips-West served as the public relations firm of record for the Kansas City Power and Light District, the largest entertainment district in Kansas City, responsibilities included public relations, community outreach, elected official relations, special event planning, and the design of newsletters for City Council members, the City Manager, and community leaders; and,
WHEREAS, she was honored to be selected to take part in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Group (Centurions) and the Civic Council Leadership Group (Kansas City Tomorrow); and,
WHEREAS, she is survived by her brother, John West Stapleton Jr., and wife Linda, her sister, Brigitte Burgette-Bradley, Esq., and her husband David, two nieces, Carrie Nicole Randle and Nya Simone Payne, and nephew, Langston Colin Taylor Burgette, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Legislature honors Carrie Stapleton as she leaves behind a legacy in Kansas City-one built on storytelling, service, and a steadfast belief in the power of community.
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22262 of April 29, 2026, was duly passed on ______________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ______________
Abstaining _____________ Absent ____________
_________________________ _____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature