KANSAS CITY, Mo. – September 9, 2026 — The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) has promoted marketing and creative leader Jonathan Knecht to Chief Marketing Officer.
For more than two decades, Knecht has played a central role in evolving the OneKC brand and how KCADC tells the story of the region to businesses, talent and audiences around the world. His awarding-winning work has helped bring the region’s momentum and opportunity to life through campaigns, experiences and strategic storytelling.
That work has become increasingly important as KCADC, in collaboration with 300 corporate leaders and more than 50 community partners across its two-state, 18-county region, has helped attract $9.5 billion in new capital investment and 15,000 jobs to the area over the past five years.
“Jonathan understands that OneKC is bigger than any one organization — it’s the collaboration that drives progress in every corner of our region,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC. “He has helped us build a brand that reflects where Kansas City is headed, and he brings the creativity and vision to turn this momentum into lasting opportunity for decades to come.”
Most recently, Knecht was a creative force behind KC•House, a VIP experience during the World Cup that showcased the Kansas City region to business leaders, site selectors and dignitaries from across the globe. Through KC•House and other hosting experiences, KCADC connected with nearly 40 global corporate targets and decision-makers, creating relationships that will lead to future business opportunities for the region.
As CMO, Knecht will continue to lead KCADC’s marketing and creative efforts while helping shape the broader strategy for how KCADC and the OneKC region are positioned on a national and global stage.
“Kansas City has never had a more compelling story to tell,” said Knecht. “What makes the OneKC story powerful is that it belongs to all of us — the companies investing here, the communities working together and the people who reflect a dynamic, creative culture that fuels unlimited possibilities. I’m excited for our team to keep building on that momentum, finding new ways to connect KC with the opportunities that will shape our region’s future.”
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About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
The Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the OneKC region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC and KC Global Design. | onekc.org