Her Story
About Donna
Donna Lake, MPA, EFO, is an experienced local government executive serving as Assistant City Manager for the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Her career in public service began in 1992 as a firefighter, launching a more than three-decade career in local government and public safety. She advanced through the fire service to become an assistant fire chief and ultimately Fire Chief in Kansas City, developing extensive experience in emergency services, public safety leadership, municipal operations, and organizational management.
Following her career in the fire service, Donna transitioned into municipal executive leadership. In her current role as Assistant City Manager, she oversees internal services including finance, information technology, and communications. Her academic background includes a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations. She also holds the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) credential and maintains professional memberships with the International City/County Management Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Donna's leadership philosophy centers on doing the work, maintaining a clear vision, demonstrating tenacity, and building relationships based on trust and clarity. She believes effective leadership requires action and leading by example, emphasizing that she will not ask others to do something she is unwilling to do herself. She also encourages women entering public service to have the courage to pursue opportunities, embrace change, and step into unfamiliar experiences. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she contributes to her community through involvement with her son's high school football booster club.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being willing to do the work, having a clear vision, and demonstrating tenacity. I believe trust, clarity, and action are essential to effective leadership. I also believe in leading by example and working alongside my team rather than asking others to do something that I would not be willing to do myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most important influences on my professional development was former Fire Chief Smokey Dyer. Early in my career, he gave me opportunities because he trusted my abilities rather than relying solely on rank or tenure. That experience had a lasting impact on how I view leadership and the importance of developing others.
My parents were also significant influences in my life, particularly through the example they set around having a strong work ethic and understanding the value of collaboration. Their example reinforced the importance of working hard while recognizing that meaningful accomplishments are often achieved through teamwork.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to have the courage to pivot and to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. You never know which opportunity will open another door. I encourage others to lean into opportunities, experiment, and be willing to step into something new even when they feel a little afraid. Having the courage to take that first step can create possibilities you may not have anticipated.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in local government is understanding how to keep yourself out of the political fray while remaining focused on serving the community. There also appears to be less interest in local government as a career path than there has been in the past.
At the same time, local government provides an opportunity to try a multitude of things and make a meaningful impact in the community. It offers professionals the chance to contribute across different areas, take on new challenges, and directly influence the communities they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work are trust, clarity, action, courage, accountability, and leading by example. I believe leadership is something that should be experienced by the people around you, not simply claimed because you hold a position of authority.
I value working alongside others, following through on commitments, and being willing to do the work myself. I also value courage and openness to opportunity, because growth often requires stepping outside of what is familiar and being willing to take on new challenges.
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