City Hall, 24th floor • 414 E. 12th St. • Kansas City, MO 64106 • Phone: (816) 513-1602 •
Fax: (816) 513-1612 • Assistant: Lisa Sturgeon • lisa_sturgeon@kcmo.org |
Councilwoman Cathy Jolly was elected to the City Council in 2007. She is an attorney and former assistant Jackson County prosecutor. She served three terms in the Missouri General Assembly, from 2001 to 2006. Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
As an assistant prosecutor, Cathy was coordinator for the Drug Abatement Response Team in Jackson County. She worked closely with law enforcement officials and other government agencies, coordinating the closing of drug houses and restoring safety to neighborhoods impacted by drugs. In this role, Cathy was able to expose other crimes, such as child and elder neglect and abuse. Other job assignments with Jackson County have included prosecuting for the Division of Family Support, holding parents accountable for paying child support.
As a state representative, Cathy successfully sponsored and co-sponsored important legislation impacting on our safety and quality of life. She is noted for, and recognized for steering the passage of significant legislation in Jefferson City. Cathy sponsored a bill that is now law requiring more sex offenders to register. Taking aim at the mistreatment of seniors in long-term care, Cathy co-sponsored the original Senior Care and Protection Act, the most comprehensive reform in regulating senior care in Missouri. She also co-sponsored legislation to further regulate and reduce interest rates charged by the Pay Day Loan industry.
Cathy is a member of various community organizations in Kansas City, including several Chambers of Commerce, the Women’s Political Caucus, Citizens Association, Citizens Crusade Against Crime, Lions Club, Committee for County Progress and many other groups and associations. She has been recognized by many organizations for her positive impact on our community.
Specific awards and honors
• Missouri Police Chiefs Legislator Appreciation of the Year
• Missouri Public Service Award from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
• Missouri National Education Association Horace Mann Friend of Education Legislator of the Year
• Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus Torch Award
• Kansas City Federation of Teachers Legislative Award
• Nurses United Hero of Health Care Award
• Certificate of Appreciation from Northland Coalition of residents of Clay, Platte and Ray Counties and Tri-County Mental Health Services for supporting mental health prevention and treatment services in the Northland.
• Missouri Watch Defender of Patient Safety Award
• CCO (Church Community Organization) Soul of the City Legislative Award
• ACT Missouri Award of Excellence from the Missouri Youth Adult Alliance for outstanding leadership in preventing underage drinking
• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year
• Selected by Kansas City Star as one of six women to Watch (2001)
Cathy and her husband, Scott, are homeowners in South Kansas City. Scott is a member of the Center School Board of Education. Their son Drake was born in August 2003.
