Mandy Lewis Named City Clerk for the City of Kennett
11/10/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mandy Lewis Named City Clerk for the City of Kennett
Lewis brings extensive municipal experience to the position; Jan McElwrath transitions to Chief Financial Officer role
The City of Kennett has named Mandy Lewis as its new City Clerk, effective October 27, 2025. Lewis succeeds Jan McElwrath, who will continue serving the City in the newly created position of Chief Financial Officer, part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen its professional management team and prepare for future growth.
Mandy is an extremely experienced and capable city clerk whose professional training and dedication to public service make her an ideal fit for Kennett,” said Mayor Jake Crafton. “Her appointment reflects the City’s continued commitment to building a strong professional staff to manage the daily operations and long-term development of a community our size.”
Lewis is a Missouri Registered City Clerk (certified by the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association) and a Certified Municipal Official (certified by the Missouri Municipal League). She holds an associate’s degree in Pre-Law from Three Rivers College, and a Paralegal Certification from Southeast Missouri State University.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lewis grew up as an “Army Brat,” living in Hawaii, Alaska, Maryland, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Panama. She is the daughter of Lindal and Jamey Cossey; her father, Lindal Cossey, currently serves as Mayor of the City of Gideon.
She is married to Jonathan Lewis and they have three children: Andrew Ferrese, active duty in the U.S. Air Force; Samantha Ferrese, who resides in Maryland; and Christian Lewis, a student at Three Rivers College – Kennett.
“I am excited to work with the City Council, employees, and residents to make improvements to the community,” Lewis said.
The addition of Lewis as City Clerk and McElwrath’s transition to Chief Financial Officer mark another step in the City’s efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and professional management in municipal operations.
Separating the clerk and financial duties will allow McElwrath to oversee the City’s financial operations and take a leading role in identifying, applying for, and implementing grants that benefit Kennett’s infrastructure, services, and community development efforts.