2025 Employee of the Year: Julie Wittman
Published on September 14, 2026
Some people make an impact not by seeking the spotlight, but by helping others shine. The City of Lenexa’s 2025 Employee of the Year has spent more than 12 years doing just that. Julie Wittman, senior communications specialist, plays a vital role in how residents see and learn about the City of Lenexa.
From building and maintaining the City website to running Farmers Market communications, she can be found approving website edits, finding accessibility solutions, writing a description about kohlrabi, snapping photos at the Farmers Market, or putting together a street maintenance postcard — all in a day’s work. While she works primarily behind the scenes, her influence can be seen throughout the community every day.
Known for her ability to find a solution to any problem and her collaborative and positive spirit, she embodies Lenexa’s values of integrity, teamwork, service, vision, excellence and caring. We sat down with Julie to reflect on her career journey and what continues to inspire her.
You’ve been with the City for 12 years. What has kept you passionate about your work and serving the community?
What keeps me engaged is knowing that the work we do makes a difference for real people. I get to collaborate with smart, caring coworkers, and every year brings new opportunities to learn and grow. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, a new challenge comes along — I love that.
How has the role of communications changed since you started with the City?
Lenexa has grown significantly in population, prominence and ambition in the last decade. The Communications Department is constantly stepping up our tactics in response to evolving priorities and public interest.
Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on?
Opening the Lenexa civic campus in 2017 was a monumental undertaking for everyone at the City. In Communications, we learned so much through the process of helping the community visualize what this new place could become. Today, people visit this bustling campus to access services, stay healthy, shop and eat local, attend events, gather with friends and family, and much more. That’s a cool legacy to be part of.
What’s been one of your proudest moments on the job?
The day our small-but-mighty team launched three new websites for the City after an extensive redevelopment process was pretty thrilling. Today, these sites serve our audiences much more effectively, and I’m proud of that.
What have you learned from working with so many different departments and teams across the organization?
The City provides many different services and programs for residents, businesses and visitors — some more visible than others. Every time I get a chance to better understand how the people and parts work together to keep things running smoothly helps me get better at my job.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in communications?
Don’t overlook public sector opportunities! I was first placed as a temp at a local city through a staffing agency, never dreaming that I would still find fulfillment in this career trajectory nearly 25 years later.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve received in your career that has stuck with you?
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good” is a lasting aphorism for a reason, and one I perennially need reminding of.
What’s your favorite Lenexa tradition or event?
The Lenexa Farmers Market is near and dear to my heart. I enjoy seeing the community come together to make this event happen week in and week out. From diverse vendors and customers of all ages to musicians and artists, every element adds up to more than the sum of its parts.