Washington, D.C. -- Dr. Mark Funkhouser has been named the new publisher of Governing, the magazine announced Friday. Funkhouser, the former mayor of Kansas City, Mo., has since 2011 served as the director of the Governing Institute, an initiative affiliated with the magazine that works with state and local leaders to improve performance and outcomes through research, support and education.
Prior to his election as mayor in 2007, Funkhouser had served as the auditor for Kansas City since 1988. During that time, he also taught courses in public budgeting, program evaluation, policy analysis, public finance and related topics in the MPA programs of the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where he earned his Ph.D. in public administration and sociology. He has written extensively about government performance and accountability and spoken at numerous seminars and workshops throughout the world. His book, Honest, Competent Government, was the first global study of performance auditing.
“Mark’s experience as a career public official, as an elected local leader, and as the director of the Governing Institute makes him uniquely qualified to take on this role,” said Dennis McKenna, the CEO of eRepublic, Governing’s parent media company. “He knows firsthand the challenges that government leaders are dealing with, and he’s passionate about improving public service. He just gets it.”
Funkhouser will replace outgoing publisher Erin Waters, who served in that position from 2012 until she resigned in late February.
“I’m extremely excited about this new opportunity,” said Funkhouser. “I’ve greatly enjoyed the chance, through the Institute, to help establish and grow the Governing network of great public officials and the organizations that exist to help them. I look forward to our team continuing that momentum, in our print magazine, on our website, and through our events and partnerships.
“America’s states, cities and counties are at a pivotal moment right now,” he continued. “As political stagnation has continued in Washington, states and localities are taking on new roles and new responsibilities, with fewer and fewer resources at hand. Over the past 27 years, Governing has established itself as the best resource for America’s government leaders. I’m eager to build on that legacy and help make Governing an even more vital partner for state and local public servants.”
