Press Releases

When Emmet Pierson Jr. hears the calls from Kansas Citians on the East Side for better housing, a closer grocery store and more economic opportunity east of Prospect Avenue, he understands in a way most developers can’t. That’s because the man at the helm of the largest development organization working on the East Side was raised five minutes from his current office. As CEO of nonprofit Community Builders of Kansas City, he oversees millions in projects meant to benefit what historically have been the city’s poorest neighborhoods. “I understand the hard work. I understand the challenges our residents have — because I was that kid,” he said. The organization brings housing, retail and more to areas overlooked by for-profit developers, and that [...]

PRO Neighborhoods Award Supports Swope Parkway/Blue Parkway Corridor Implementation Plan Development KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 21, 2019) – Emmet Pierson, chief executive officer of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), and Shannon Hesterberg, CBKC director of real estate development, were on hand to receive the Kansas City area’s first JPMorgan Chase Partnership for Raising Opportunity in Neighborhoods (PRO Neighborhoods) investment at a ceremony today in Washington, D.C. The $100,000 award is a commitment by JPMorgan Chase to CBKC’s development of an implementation plan that will build on recommendations from a 2017 feasibility study to redevelop the Swope Parkway/Blue Parkway Corridor. “This JPMorgan Chase commitment of $100,000 enables CBKC to collaborate with other community development financial institutions (CDFI) to map the [...]

Bob Langenkamp Joins CBKC as Chief Development Officer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 6, 2019) – Emmet Pierson, chief executive officer of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), announced today that Bob Langenkamp will join as the organization’s new chief development officer, effective September 3. Langenkamp will be responsible for generating investment opportunities, acquisitions, partnerships and projects. “Bob is the latest addition, and not the last, to a team highly skilled, experienced and motivated to transform our community, particularly Kansas City’s urban core,” said Pierson who was named CBKC’s CEO in May. “He joins other recent hires Steve Weatherford, most recently with LISC, who is our CFO, and Elizabeth Schultz, an architect well versed in neighborhood revitalization, who is leading [...]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 17, 2019) – Emmet Pierson, Jr., Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) president and CEO, announced today that the organization has brought on Steve Weatherford as chief financial officer and Elizabeth Schultz as director of strategic initiatives and community development.  Weatherford brings more than 40 years of housing policy and affordable housing finance experience to the position and replaces Robert Pearson, who is retiring.  “Steve is a powerhouse addition to CBKC,” Pierson said. “His extensive background in finance and housing policy will be invaluable in helping us advance our vision of strengthening families and transforming communities in the urban core.”  Weatherford was most recently senior lending officer at Kansas City-based Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) [...]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 15, 2019) – The board of directors of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) has voted unanimously to employ Emmet Pierson, Jr., as its new president and CEO. Pierson brings a depth of experience, community and political connections as well as national leadership expertise into his new role with CBKC. “We are elated for Emmet to take the helm at CBKC,” said former State Senator and CBKC Chairperson Yvonne Wilson. “Given his vast experience, previous contributions to the organization, familiarity with the community and strong political relationships, we could not have a better candidate to lead the organization into the future.” Pierson’s real estate development experience spans nearly 30 years, having served as director of [...]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 8, 2019) – Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the area’s largest urban core developer, announced the retirement of its CEO, Art Chaudry. Chaudry has been with the organization eight years. “With the recent completion of a new exciting and expansive strategic plan and the development of a succession plan by the board, I felt it was the right time to retire and transition the leadership of the organization to the next generation of leaders,” said Chaudry. “A strong, dedicated and talented team is in place to continue the rich and important impact of Community Builders of Kansas City.” Chaudry joined Swope Community Builders in April 2010 as its chief operating officer. He was promoted [...]