Mcclain Bryant Macklin

McClain E. Bryant, JD, MBA, is the Director of Policy and Research for the Greater Kansas City Civic Council, leading initiatives for business leaders to support equity and inclusion in the Kansas City region, as well as leading the Civic Council advocacy, public policy and research efforts.

Previously, McClain served as the Director of Policy for Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, Missouri. In this role, McClain advised the Mayor on a variety of policy issues, with an emphasis on economic development, housing, technology, innovation, workforce development and entrepreneurship, and worked with city staff and community organizations to implement the policy interests of the Mayor.

McClain practiced law at a top 50 law firm, where she specialized in Campaign Finance and Ethics, White Collar Litigation and Government Affairs, and Government Affairs and Public Policy. In her practice, McClain counseled clients from local politicians to Fortune 500 companies on navigating the political, legislative and regulatory process. She assisted clients with forming and managing 527 political committees and 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, and advised corporate clients on their political activity post-Citizens United.

McClain’s involvement in politics started by volunteering on the grassroots level during her childhood. McClain has since volunteered for several local, state and federal campaigns in a variety of capacities, including fundraising and GOTV. While completing her MBA at Florida A & M University, McClain worked for United States Senators Jean Carnahan (D-MO) and Bob Graham (D-FL), and United States Congresswoman Karen McCarthy (D-MO). Prior to law school at The George Washington University Law School, McClain interned for two government relations firms in Tallahassee, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Since law school, McClain not only focused her career in politics, but invests her free time in policy and the political process, as well. She served as a fellow for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee; served as an election protection challenger on election day in 2008 and 2012, ensuring compliance with elections laws at polling places; served on the Democratic National Committee’s Youth Coordinating Council as the Midwest appointee, promoting youth engagement in the political process; served as Regional Lead for the National Finance Committee for Generation Forty-Four, the under-40 fundraising arm of Obama for America; participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Political Education and Leadership Certificate Program; served on then-Mayor-elect of Kansas City, Missouri Sly James’ transition team, co-drafting Kansas City’s ethics code; served on the National Finance Committee for the Ready for Hillary Political Action Committee, building momentum for the Hillary for America 2016 presidential campaign; served under mayoral appointment to the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and Recreation Commission; and as the Trustee for Metropolitan Community College Sub-District 2.

McClain’s efforts have earned her the recognition of Young Democrat of the Year by the Jackson County, Missouri Democratic Committee, the Impact Award by the George Washington University Black Alumni Association, Rising Star by KC Magazine, and Up and Coming Lawyer by the Missouri Lawyers Weekly. She currently serves on a variety of non-profit boards in Kansas City, Missouri.

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