Wayne A. Cauthen

Wayne A. Cauthen (born September 5, 1955 in Lancaster, South Carolina is the first appointed African-American City Manager in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to his appointment, Cauthen served as the Chief of Staff for Denver, Colorado Mayor Wellington Webb. Wayne Cauthen grew up in Englewood, New Jersey and graduated Cum Laude from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and attended graduate school at the University of Colorado. On November 19, Cauthen was suddenly suspended as city manager by the Kansas City city council with a vote of 7-6.http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/CityManagersOffice/WayneA.Cauthen/index.htm (The following bio of Wayne A. Cauthen appeared on City of Kansas City, Missouri website.) Wayne A. Cauthen was appointed city manager of the City of Kansas City, Missouri., in April 2003. Cauthen is currently focusing his efforts on downtown infrastructure and development issues, expanding international economic development, implementing a Citywide recycling program, and improving basic services to citizens. Cauthen brings to the office more than 25 years of professional experience in both the public and private sector. A native of Englewood, N.J., Cauthen came to Kansas City from Denver, where he was chief of staff to Mayor Wellington E. Webb from March 1997 to March 2003. Cauthen also served as Webb's deputy chief of staff from March 1997 through January 2000, and director of the Mayor's Office of Contract Compliance from January 1993 through February 1997. The Denver Mayor's Office of Contract Compliance received numerous awards during Cauthen's tenure. Black Enterprise magazine named Denver as a top city to do business for African-American entrepreneurs; Hispanic Business magazine gave a similar award; and Minority Enterprises Inc., named the office Corporation of the Year. While with the City and County of Denver, Cauthen also held positions as interim director of the Finance Office, and interim director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Devel