City of Independence Announces Two New Assistant City Managers

As the City of Independence continues to grow, City Manager Zach Walker named two people to serve in Assistant City Manager positions.  Lisa Reynolds, a lifelong Independence resident, is making permanent the role she assumed on an interim basis earlier this year, while Charlie Dissell returns to the city he previously served.

“It’s an exciting time for our city, and we need the right people to help us do it the right way,” said Walker. “I believe Charlie Dissell and Lisa Reynolds, with their strong ties to the community, are the right people to strengthen Independence and I’m honored to have them beside me.”

Reynolds has worked for municipalities for two decades of her career and served Independence for almost half of them.  She has served as an interim Assistant City Manager since January 2024.  A true “start-from-the-bottom” story, Reynolds worked her way up from her first position as a Facilities Technician with the City of Lee’s Summit. She has worked for four municipalities and in corporate America, always in the facilities and utilities sector. Reynolds has a BS in Management/Computer Information Systems from Park University and received credentials as a Certified Public Manager from the University of Kansas. She becomes only the second female to hold the title of Assistant City Manager in the City’s nearly 200-year-old history.

“I am very excited to step into this role on a permanent basis and continue serving my hometown,” said Reynolds. “There is so much energy and drive to make improvements throughout the city right now, and I am thankful to get to be a part of it.”

As Assistant City Manager (ACM), Reynolds will also continue to lead the Municipal Services department of nearly 240 people, while also providing general oversight of the Parks/Recreation/Tourism, Independence Power and Light, and Finance Departments.

This is a homecoming of sorts for Charlie Dissell, having served as Independence’s Assistant Community Development Director from 2015-2018.  Dissell leaves his current position as Deputy City Manager and Chief of Development and Operations for the City of Indianola, Iowa.  His nearly two decades of experience in municipal government are mainly in planning, community, and economic development. Dissell is a graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Design and holds certifications from the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.

 “I am excited to return to Independence and look forward to leading our talented team to reach even greater heights,” said Dissell. “Together, we'll ensure that Independence continues to thrive and grow, and continue to be a nationally recognized city with a unique history and sense of place.”

As an ASM, he will oversee all development functions for the City, with a particular emphasis on economic development for the City of Independence. He will provide general oversight of the Community Development Department, helping ensure the continued support of major projects like the Eastgate Commerce Center, key redevelopment projects like the Independence Square, Englewood Arts District, and Fairmount neighborhoods, and further improving the City’s plan review and permitting processes to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

Reynolds will begin her permanent role immediately, and Dissell begin on July 15th.

The City of Independence is the fifth largest city in the state of Missouri, with more than 123,000 residents across roughly 78 square miles. The City of Independence owns and operates its own power, water, and wastewater facilities, along with nearly 50 public parks and facilities.