Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcy Barnhart.
Hi Marcy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been incredibly lucky to work with and for some of the most passionate people in public service. Fresh out of high school, I was offered a position working for Gilbert Powers who served as the Johnson County Clerk/Election Authority while attending college at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg. Powers allowed me the opportunity to learn about public service, professionalism and more. I obtained a B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management. Following graduation, I was hired as a finance assistant for the City of Warrensburg by Nancy Anderson who worked for the City for 50+ years. The position’s responsibilities included payroll, budget, bond management, and serving as Deputy City Clerk. After a few years, a marketing position was created in the City’s Parks Department and I transferred. The department’s team believed in the organizations mission to provide quality recreational opportunities and facilities for all. After ten years with the department, I took a position with the University of Central Missouri’s University Relations office. It allowed me to work in marketing with a team of talented individuals while growing professionally and personally. I obtained my M.A. in Communication during my time on campus and I’m so grateful to UCM for allowing me that opportunity. The WCVB tourism director position came open I returned to work for the City. I truly believe I have the best job. I tell others about my home!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Each experience we have is an opportunity to learn about others and ourselves. I’ve interacted with some of the best. I’ve interacted with some of the worst. All of it has lead me to my current position working with a group of dedicated board members and staff in an resilient industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work for the City of Warrensburg as I serve as the tourism director for the Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. I’ve been in the position for eight years. The WCVB was incorporated in 2014 to support our area’s economic vitality with a mission to encourage Warrensburg visitors to discover the soul of our community by sharing memorable and vibrant experiences. The organization’s budget has increased from $95,000 in 2015 to $468,400 in 2025. We were a staff of one to now a staff of three. The WCVB is solely funded by the lodging tax collected from those who utilize the services of Warrensburg hotels. Working with the WCVB Board, we organized a successful information campaign in 2019, allowing the City to increase the lodging tax in the City from 2.5% to 5% with the resident’s approval. The increase went into effect June 2019, and as we all know everything shut down March 2020 due to the pandemic.
In the first seven years I was in the position, the Visitors Center moved five times. In 2021 the WCVB Board purchased a property located in Warrensburg’s historic downtown to serve as the WCVB’s home and the Warrensburg Visitors Center. The property was renovated in 2023. We moved in October 2023. The purchase, renovation and the furnishing of the property was done with zero financing, even with the impact Covid had on our operating budget in 2020 and 2021. I’m very proud of the organization’s work to tell others about our community through marketing efforts and the services provided in the Warrensburg Visitors Center!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The purchase of the historic property by the Board to service as the organizations home was a risk that kept me up many nights. The building’s location in the heart of our historic downtown was incredible. The several feet of water in the crawl space was not. Knowing we had limited funding, each time our patient contractor would call or mention a change order my stomach would knot up. With the City’s and Board’s support, I applied for an ARPA grant to use for the renovation. Thankfully we received it! It was a risk and now that the moving boxes have all been recycled and I sit in my office with a desk not held up by a 2×4, I’m so grateful to have had a City Manager and Board who encouraged and saw what could be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://VisitWarrensburg.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitWarrensburg
