Gerry Winship is a driving force behind the revitalization of Independence’s Noland Road corridor, leading community improvement efforts that blend economic development with public safety and long-term impact.

Gerry Winship serves as the Executive Director of the Noland Road Community Improvement District (CID), where he leads strategic redevelopment efforts across one of Independence’s most vital commercial corridors. Under his 11 years of leadership, the district has secured over $38 million in funding for infrastructure improvements and matching grants that incentivize private investment. 

Gerry has also prioritized public safety, partnering with the Independence Police Foundation to install license plate readers along Noland Road. His collaborative approach has helped revitalize a long-neglected area while promoting business development, civic pride, and safer neighborhoods for all who live, work, and shop there.

Gerry was born on January 2, 1934, Lock #4, Pennsylvania. He came to Independence in 1953, after graduating from Graceland College and has been engaged in civic and political activities during the last 65 years. 

He served in the City of Independence, Jackson County and Missouri state politics, and was elected in 1977 as a Missouri State Senator representing the 16th District (Independence, Blue Springs, and Lee’s Summit). He co- owned with his wife Sally and operated a family business - Winship Travel from 1984 – 2008. 

Gerry served as Board member and Chairman of the grants committee of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation from 1993 - 2001. His participation and leadership in a variety of community and civic organizations include serving in various capacities in the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Rotary Club, RLDS Men’s Club, John Knox Village Board, Park College Board of Directors, and Heritage House (208 affordable housing units). 

Winship served as Chairman of the Jackson County Sports Authority (2001 – 2006 and 2009 – 2014) being appointed by four different Missouri Governors. He has been an Ambassador for the Kansas City Royals, as a ‘Royal Lancer’ for over 50 years (since 1973). As a Lancer, he was consistently one of the top five in ticket sales for over 35-year period. 

He is married to Dr. Sally Winship, Doctoral Professor at Baker University and has three  sons-Randy, Gregory, and Steve who is married to Lisa- and has two grandchildren-Laci and Alec. 

WORK HISTORY: 

1953 – 1960 CURRY STEEL PRODUCTS, CO. OFFICE & SALES Management 
1960 – 1966 BANK OF INDEPENDENCE, Vice President & Director of Public Relations 
1966 – 1985 FARM & HOME SAVINGS AND LOAN, Vice President, and Public Relations 
1966 – 1977JACKSON COUNTY ELECTION BOARD, Chairman 
1972 --1982 HERITAGE HOUSE-Vice President and Director of Public Relations 
1984 – 2008 WINSHIP TRAVEL INC., President 
2006 –Present MISSOURI REAL ESTATE LICENSE 
2013 – 2022 BANK LIBERTY, Ambassador and Public Relations Director 
2016 – 2022 JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, Board Member 
2014 - PresentNOLAND ROAD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, Executive Director