While Turner’s title with the city may be a volunteer position for now, the title shows a change in the way city leaders are thinking about the town’s future.

“Sarcoxie identified that they needed economic development,” Largent said. “They’re getting things stirred up now.”

Background

Gary Turner is an employee of New Directions Behavioral Health, an Overland Park-based company that sets up employee assistance programs. His wife was born and raised in Sarcoxie and the couple moved to Sarcoxie four and a half years ago. Turner served as the president of the Sarcoxie Chamber of Commerce for two years. He officially began acting as the city’s economic development director at the beginning of this year.