Mayor & City Council

Jerry Kaylor has called Blue Springs home for the past 47 years. He was elected to the District 1 Council Seat in April 2017. In June 2020 and April 2025, he was elected as Mayor Pro tem. Jerry has served on many commissions including Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, and Public Safety. He has always been passionate about public safety and prior to his election, he served as a Sergeant with the Blue Springs Police Department reserve unit. He continues to serve on two committees with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC): the Missouri Transportation Program and the Total Transportation Policy Committee. For the past 16 years, Jerry has served as a member of the Blue Springs Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS). He also helps with the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy and was presented with the 2013 and 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award by the Blue Springs Police Department. Jerry has been involved throughout the community including work for the annual Blue Springs National Night Out Against Crime and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting events. He was honored to be selected to sit in the Buck O’Neil seat in April 2018 and was inducted to the Wood Bat Hall Of Fame in July 2019. Jerry regularly volunteers his time as an emcee and auctioneer, helping raise significant funds for community causes. His efforts have generated more than $30,000 through game jersey auctions for the Kansas City Mavericks’ Law Enforcement event, $20,000 for the Kansas City Comets Pediatric Cancer event and more than $30,000 for multiple Blue Springs PTA events. Jerry retired as a Journeyman Inside Wireman Electrician after 38 years of service. He is married to Debbie Kaylor and has three children: Matt, Mandi and Jeri Leigh. He is a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and attends the New Life Church in Oak Grove.

Galen Ericson has been a Blue Springs, and District 1, resident since 1976. He previously served as a captain in the United States Air Force in Anchorage, Alaska. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Kansas State University where he was a member of the KSU Honors Program. Galen owned Ericson Veterinary Hospital in Blue Springs for 37 years, which was recognized and accredited for more 25 years by the American Animal Hospital Association as an exemplary small animal hospital. He is a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association. He understands the challenges of business ownership, having navigated building and maintenance codes, managed budgets, inventory, hiring, and employee retention. As a veterinary professional, he consulted nationwide for Novartis Animal Health. He continues to practice as a relief veterinarian. Galen’s work in the community includes membership, participation, and providing financial support to civic organizations such as Community Services League, Rainbow Center, Rotary, and the Public Art Commission. He has been a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1976 and has served on building, financial, and administrative committees. He is a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce and a supporter and contributor to Downtown Alive! Galen has previously served the City of Blue Springs on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the first Blue Springs Development Code and Master Plan committees. Additionally, he was recognized for his early advocacy of sidewalks and bike paths on major thoroughfares. Galen believes that high standards in city planning result in positive long-term gains for the city. Galen’s wife is a retired Blue Springs teacher and his children are Blue Springs High School honor graduates. He has been an avid supporter of the district, served on the citizens’ advisory committee, been a Parent Teacher Student Association member, and provided financial support to both Blue Springs and Blue Springs South High School athletic programs. Galen is a licensed multi-engine and instrument-rated private pilot as well as an FAA Part-107 commercially certified drone pilot. His pilot and drone expertise have been utilized for the benefit of neighborhoods, landowners, and others. Galen believes that representation is vital to good governance. As a board member and president of his Home Owners’ Association, he works personally with residents on their requests. He understands that seeking answers may not always produce desired results, but he believes that being accessible and utilizing citizen input is his responsibility.  In his capacity as a council member, he will support development that generates tax revenues, street and infrastructure improvements, effective public safety, and amenities that contribute to a high quality of living in the city.

Brian Markworth was elected to Blue Springs City Council by District 2 voters in April 2026. He has lived in Blue Springs since 2009, when he and his wife, Beth, purchased their first home. They are raising four children here. Professionally, Brian has spent more than two decades in the construction industry. He is a member of Carpenters Local 1127 in Kansas City. His growth from a Journeyman Carpenter to a Foreman, then Field Superintendent and currently as a Senior Quality Specialist, reflects a consistent focus on developing processes that work, building teams that deliver and holding people accountable to ensure things get done right. Brian previously served as Vice-Chair of the Blue Springs Parks Commission. As a District 2 representative, he helped guide the responsible use of dedicated Parks Sales Tax funding, ensuring that residents have access to the best parks, recreation programs and open spaces in the state. A highlight of his work with the Parks Commission was contributing to the development of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update in 2026. Serving as a Team Leader with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce LEADership Program, Brian helps develop and connect local leaders who are invested in the city’s future. He believes strong relationships are essential to successful leadership and often credits this program with helping him build his meaningful connections throughout the community. Brian also serves on the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Paramedic Program Advisory Committee and the Blue Springs School District Citizens Advisory Committee. He is active in the community year-round, volunteering with the Blue Springs High School MO-942 Air Force JROTC Booster Club and with the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. In his free time, Brian enjoys being with his wife and family, especially spending time together at the family pool. Brian remains committed to working alongside residents to ensure Blue Springs continues to grow responsibly and remains a place everyone is proud to call home.

Katie Tholen is a dedicated advocate for the community of Blue Springs, where she has proudly resided for 17 years. As a devoted mother to Zane and Tyce, and a supportive wife to Clint, Katie understands the importance of building a strong and vibrant community for families to thrive. Professionally, Katie serves as a mortgage loan officer at Equity Bank, where she assists individuals and families in achieving their dreams of homeownership and financial stability. Her role allows her to understand the financial needs of the community firsthand and provide valuable guidance to her clients. In addition to her professional commitments, Katie is deeply engaged in community organizations. She serves on the Blue Springs Baseball Board, contributing her time and expertise to support youth sports in the area. Katie is also actively involved in the Boy Scouts, where she helps mentor and develop young leaders. Katie's commitment to community service extends to her involvement in the mission board at Cornerstone Church, where she volunteers her time to support various outreach initiatives. Katie is a graduate of Lee's Summit North High School and holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Additionally, she has completed Chamber Leadership Classes, where she honed her leadership skills and gained valuable insights into the issues facing the Blue Springs community. Katie Tholen is honored to have the opportunity to serve her community on the City Council and is committed to working tirelessly to represent the interests of Blue Springs residents. Katie is committed to representing the interests of all residents and working collaboratively to address the needs of the community. She is passionate about making Blue Springs an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Nick Brummel is a dedicated business owner and community leader who has called Blue Springs, Missouri home for more than 10 years. As the owner of a small business in the area, he has played an integral role in supporting the local economy and creating jobs within the community. Throughout his career, Nick has built a reputation for hard work, dedication, and a strong commitment to the values that make Blue Springs a great place to live and work. In addition to his professional endeavors, Nick has been involved in local government and civic engagement. Prior to being appointed to the Blue Springs City Council, he served as Chair of the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Commission, where he helped guide key initiatives aimed at improving public spaces and recreational programs for Blue Springs residents. Nick also served on the Charter Commission, where he worked to evaluate and propose necessary changes to the city's governing framework, ensuring that Blue Springs' charter continues to serve the best interests of its residents. Beyond these roles, Nick has been an active member of the Apartment Association of Kansas City and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Beyond local involvement, Nick contributes to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, where he has worked to promote industry standards and advocacy for landscaping professionals, while being on the Board of Directors and Government Affairs Council. Throughout his career, Nick has consistently demonstrated a passion for service and a drive to positively impact his community. As a leader in both the public and private sectors, he remains committed to fostering growth and improving the quality of life for all Blue Springs residents. Outside of work and public service, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, Kate, and their daughter, Paige. You’ll often find them cheering on the Kanas City Sports teams, but Nick’s favorite team will always be the one Paige is playing for.

Jeremy Rowan is a dedicated community advocate and small business owner in Blue Springs, Missouri. As the owner of JR KARATE KIDS/The Dojo, he plays an active role in supporting youth development and wellness. A graduate of the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy and a member of its Alumni Association, Rowan is deeply engaged in community safety initiatives. He is also an involved member of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce and an active PTA participant, reflecting his strong commitment to education and civic involvement. In 2023, he ran for the Blue Springs City Council, showing his passion for public service and his drive to make a positive impact on the community.