Bird, Michael C.

As Lathrop & Gage’s government relations coordinator and chair of the firm's government relations practice area, Mary Birch tracks issues and developments that may affect businesses on the local, state and national levels, and consults with clients as to how they may participate in the decision-making process. Ms. Birch also consults with clients who have obstacles in administrative and regulatory affairs.

During her time with the Chamber, Ms. Birch facilitated the government relations efforts for the organization and its members at the local, regional, state and federal level.  She has established relationships with elected officials and staff at various levels and worked primarily in the area of strategic issue management.

Ms. Birch has nearly two decades of experience in government relations and consulting, particularly at the local level. From 1984 to 2002, she served as president of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, where she directed efforts to attract an unprecedented level of business to the city. During her tenure, 62,000 jobs and 4,000 new companies were created in Overland Park. In 2002, she was named “Johnson Countian of the Year” by Johnson County Community College.

Prior to joining Lathrop & Gage, Ms. Birch served as an independent consultant to local and national chambers of commerce and other not-for-profit organizations.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

• 1999 Kansas Transportation Plan
• Overland Park Convention Center
• Nordstrom to Oak Park Mall
• Sprint Campus
• Johnson County Education Research Triangle
• 2010 Kansas Transportation Plan

CURRENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Community Foundation of Johnson County Board
• Johnson County Community College Foundation Board
• JCCC Foundation Strategic Planning and Resource Development Committees
• KU Advancement Board
• Chair of KU Advancement Board Government Affairs Committee
• Member KU Advancement Board Development Committee
• KU Edwards Campus Business Advisory Board
• Heart of America Boy Scouts Trailhead District Committee
• Shawnee Mission Committee for Excellence
• Several Local Chambers of Commerce
• United Community Services Board of Advisors
• MOCSA Board of Directors
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Johnson County Council
• Chairman of City of Overland Park 50th Anniversary Celebration
• MOCSA Johnson County Advisory Council
• Speaking of Women's Health Committee
• TLC Advisory Board, Power With a Purpose Committee, Capital Campaign Committee
• AIA Kansas City Board of Directors