County Commission

The Board of County Commissioners is a five-member group of elected officials who proudly represent the citizens of Douglas County, Kansas. Commissioners serve a two-year term of office.

Karen Willey - 3rd District (Chair)

Karen moved to Lawrence in 1993 to be the third generation of her family to attend the University of Kansas where she earned a BA in Environmental Studies...

Shannon Reid - 2nd District (Vice Chair)

Shannon is a lifelong Lawrence townie, proud to have been raised here by a community who cared and offered support throughout her youth, which was steeped...

Patrick Kelly - 1st District

Patrick has called Lawrence home since attending the University of Kansas beginning in 1989. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master’s...

Gene Dorsey - 4th District

Gene Dorsey grew up in Gardner, Kan., graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and spent a 35-year career...

Erica Anderson - 5th District

Erica has spearheaded several impactful health-focused initiatives, including Mobile Integrated Health, Community Health Workers, and various maternal, nutritional...

Commission Meetings

Douglas County Commissioners typically meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Commission Chamber of the historic Courthouse at 1100 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Meetings are also available on Zoom.

County Commissioners have work sessions to study and discuss various topics throughout the year. No action is taken during work sessions. If there's a work session, they are held at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays before the business meeting.