Gena Ross

Gena Ross was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She earned a high school diploma from North High School, an associate degree from North Central University in 2005, a bachelor’s degree from American Intercontinental University in 2008, a graduate degree from Walden University in 2010, and Ph.D. from Walden University in 2018. Ross’ career experience includes working as an associate professor of business at Kansas City, Kansas Community College, Director of Student Support for Program Success, and as an adjunct professor of political science. She also worked previously as a constituent services representative for former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D).[1][2] [3][4][5]

Ross has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

NAACP

Business and Professional Women's Federation COGIC

Pi Alpha Alpha

National Society of Leadership and Success

Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc.[6]

U.S. House

Gena Ross did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

County commisison

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Dr. Gena L. Ross is a candidate for Platte County Presiding Commissioner. I have been a Platte County resident since 2010, and all three of her children graduated from Platte County high school. I have a earned doctorate degree in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Local Government Management and currently serve as Director of Student Support for Program Success, where I oversee a $1.7 million federal grant and serves as the liaison between the college and the federal government. I am running to bring transparency accountability , fiscally responsibility , and community-focused leadership to Platte County.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I will lead with transparency, accountability, and integrity.

I believe county government should be open, honest, and accountable to the people it serves. I will listen to residents, communicate openly, and make decisions based on facts, not politics.I will protect taxpayer dollars while planning responsibly for the future.

I am committed to fiscal responsibility and making sure every tax dollar is spent wisely. I support responsible growth that protects our quality of life, strengthens infrastructure, supports public safety, and benefits the people of Platte County.I will put people first and work together to solve problems.

I believe the best decisions are made when residents have a voice. I will work collaboratively with our communities, businesses, first responders, county staff, and local leaders to find practical solutions that serve everyone in Platte County—not special interests.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about transparent and accountable government, responsible fiscal stewardship, strategic long-term planning, and ensuring residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their communities. I also care deeply about protecting taxpayers, maintaining strong public safety services, improving infrastructure, supporting responsible economic development, and managing growth in a way that preserves Platte County’s quality of life for future generations. My passion for public policy comes from a desire to serve others and help build a county that is well-managed, financially sound, and prepared for the future.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

At this time, I have not received any official endorsements. My campaign is focused on earning the trust and support of the voters of Platte County through direct engagement, listening to residents, and presenting my vision for transparent, accountable, and responsible county leadership.

Campaign websiteRoss' campaign website stated the following:Understanding the RoleThe Presiding Commissioner oversees county administration, works with elected officials and department heads, and participates in decisions that affect services, budgeting, and development throughout Platte County.County Budget OversightThe Presiding Commissioner participates in preparing the county budget, reviewing expenditures, and allocating resources across county departments.Infrastructure & Public WorksThis includes coordination with county Public Works regarding roads, bridges, county buildings, and infrastructure improvements.Planning and ZoningThe commission reviews zoning proposals, land-use planning recommendations, and development considerations to ensure compliance with county regulations.Public Safety CoordinationThe Presiding Commissioner cooperates with the Sheriff's Office, emergency management, and fire and EMS partners to support safety planning and preparedness.County Services & DepartmentsCollaboration with departments such as the Health Department, Assessor, Collector, Recorder, Clerk, and others.Intergovernmental RelationsRepresents the county in regional planning organizations and works with municipalities and state partners on collaborative projects.— Gena Ross' campaign website (July 2, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased November 1, 2021

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was the Primary nominee for Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District in 2020. I have an earned Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, a Master’s in Public Administration. Bachelors in Business Administration and an Associate’s degree in Urban Ministries. I am an Associate Professor of Business at KCKCC. I have three young adult children. I am one that can respect all people even if we don't agree on everything. I'm impartial. I'm an licensed and ordained Evangelist in COGIC. I can love my neighbor as I love myself. I am an overcomes and more than a conqueror. It would be my hope and pleasure to represent Missouri and beyond. Democracy and people first. I believe “ We are better together.”

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Democracy- I believe democracy should be accessible to everyone. What matters and benefits us most and in America all of God's children which is everyone, should be valued equally. That includes eliminating voting discrimination. Period!Healthcare- We've made some progress but must keep striving for continuous improvement. Healthcare is a human right. No one's lives should be at risk because they cannot afford to go to the doctor or pay for prescriptions. I support lowering prescription drugs by developing competition. No monopoly on pharmacists, force them to compete to help us keep our healthcare stabilized and affordable. I support Medicaid expansion with dental and vision as well. #healthmatterssSustainable Economic Development- That includes every corner of Missouri. All families deserve a living wage, affordable childcare, affordable housing. Everything that will help people strive instead of trying to survive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Bipartisanship so constituents aren't robbed of their American rights and democracy due to biases, personal agendas, abuse of power, etc. All people need to be represented.

Sustainable Economic Development.

Outreach programs for youth development, violence, and crime prevention.

Policies that protect the humanity, economic dignity, and well-being of all people.

Education

Affordable Housing

A national adaption policy that includes investment in infrastructure, flood mitigation efforts, and sustainable farming and communication and collaboration with the entire communities.

Climate Change

Workers Rights

Stopping filibusters, and other distractions, wasting time to not represent all people.

Let’s not waste money. Allocate it to meet the needs of we the people. There is something for everyone. Can't we all just get along!!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to God who gives me strength day by day to persevere and helps me to love my neighbor as myself. I also look up to my mother. My mother is a strong God-fearing woman. She's always took care of everyone. She's kind, compassionate and knows no stranger. She doesn't hold grudges. She's a hard worker. I am partly who I am today because of the way she raised me.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember going to my first National Church Convention on a Coach bus from Minneapolis, MN to Dallas, Texas on July 4, 1976. The fireworks were amazing. I was five years old and I brought my well dressed doll Rena with me. It was the Church of God In Christ's first UNAC Convention.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was a bus crossing guard at age 14. I would ride the school bus home with grades K-6th grade and hold the crossing flag out in the middle of the street to ensure that students could cross without being in danger from a reckless driver.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

My own song "Paving the way for change" https://youtu.be/HOaVZQ64Epw

Candidate Conversations

2020 general election

Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&A.

Click below to watch the conversation for this race.

2020 primary election

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Dr. Gena Ross. I have an earned Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. I am an African-American Female that stands for truth, justice, and economic empowerment. For all people of America.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe in Constituents before Corporations. Democracy, people first. All people, we the people.Healthcare is a right. Even with pre-existing conditions. No discrimination allowed. Quality, accessible, affordable healthcare, and prescriptions. No one has the right to play with or bargain with anyone's life. That is unethical.I believe in town hall meetings, bringing people together to strategize, communicate and collaborate, what is best for the needs of all 36 counties.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

That everyone be treated equally, liberty and justice for all.

Healthcare

Economic Groth and Development

Education

Climate Change- It is real

Sustainability

Infrastructure

Agriculture

I'm totally passionate about all of our livelihoods. Policies should be put in place to represent all people, not have picks and chooses.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother. She is my rock. I watched her work very hard as a divorced single mother of 5 living growing up. My brother had hydrocephalus so he couldn't be home with us but we'd go visit him and all the children. My mother was an RN and when she wasn't at work we'd be at church. My mother always nurtured and took care of everyone. When my sister was killed, that was the first time I ever saw her cry. She was always strong for everybody. So me as the youngest, I try to be strong and look out for her and others. My mother raised some of her grandchildren, and me as a young aunt. I helped. I wanted to be the best aunt ever. I became an aunt at age 8. My mother always stood up for other people's rights and help find resources for them. I do the same thing. I divorced and raised my three children by myself, it was challenging, but I made it through with God's help. The same God that helped my mother and gave her strength is the same God that has helped me and is helping now. My mother's faith is very strong. Unbiased and unjudgmental. She taught me God made us in his own image and we should love and forgive.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

There is a quote by General George Patton

" Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

One that stands for truth, justice, and economic empowerment for all American people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm a transparent, transformational leader. I believe character counts, integrity, honesty, trustworthy, and a whistleblower.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To meet with constituents. Be out in the community and build relationships with all parties, not just the party that they are affiliated with.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To empower all people to know their power. Stay true, stand up for what's right even if you have to stand alone.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in the second grade and my class went outside with these cool glasses ( I thought they were cool then) to watch the solar eclipse.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Riding the school bus at age 14, being the crossguard to ensure grades K-5 cross the street safely. I would hold the bright orange flag out to stop all traffic. An entire semester.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Esther

She's strong, brave, and courageous.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman- she saves the world.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I feel like going on.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

We all have had struggles but I press through.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Balancing things out to prevent gerrymandering.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Policies can be implemented and changed for the better good of all Anericsn people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is beneficial but not a requirement. We just need someone in office that has a passion to serve all people on behalf as being a public servant. People first.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We are not unified. We need to come together for the sake of the American people and put all corruption, selfishness, and self-seeking agendas aside. We need to stop blaming one another and help make crooked things right. Take care of each other, not leave people to die, loose their jobs, health, livelihood, homeless, no care for the widows, or those with mental illness. We need healing.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

The Ethics Committee

The House Administration Committee

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

NA

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, or no more than four years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Some get too comfortable and forget they were elected to serve. Then they don't represent the people 100%. They make deals with corporations and the rest, you know how it goes. Constituents are left behind.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

As one that stands for what's true and right, even when it's not popular.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

RIP John Lewis. I will model Good Trouble.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

It grieves my heart to hear personal stories from many who have health conditions and cannot afford to go to the doctor. It grieves me to hear from people that need help from this COVID-19 pandemic. People want town hall meetings. They want to feel like they matter.

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Gena Ross did not complete the candidate survey.