All Grain Valley elected officials serve two-year terms. The elected body is composed of a Mayor and six board members. The City is composed of three wards, represented by two board members each.
Bob Headley
Mayor
(816) 847-6289
rheadley@cityofgrainvalley.org Bob Headley is a longtime Grain Valley resident, community leader, and Information Technology professional with more than 40 years of experience in the IT industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Bob currently serves as the Midwest Region Field Services Manager for Home Services of America, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, where he manages a team of 23 field technicians supporting eight companies throughout the Midwest. He is currently in his seventh year with Home Services of America and its subsidiary, ReeceNichols Real Estate.
Bob has proudly called Grain Valley home since 1991, when he and his late wife of 31 years moved to the community after serving in the U.S. Navy to raise their family. His two sons attended Grain Valley Schools from kindergarten through graduation, finishing in 2016 and 2019. Today, his oldest son, Drew, owns Elite Diesel and Auto Works in Oak Grove, while his youngest son, Aaron, works as a graphic designer for ReeceNichols Real Estate after graduating from the University of Central Missouri.
A dedicated public servant, Bob served 16 years as Alderman for Ward 3 and held several terms as Mayor Pro Tem. Throughout his service, he has worked closely with numerous community organizations and boards, including the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Park Board. He also served as liaison to both the Park Board and the Grain Valley School District. In recognition of his commitment to the community, Bob was honored as Grain Valley Citizen of the Year in 2022. He attends New Life Church in Oak Grove and remains passionate about supporting the continued growth and success of the community.
Bob’s vision for Grain Valley includes completing the city’s trail system, continuing road and infrastructure improvements, supporting responsible growth, and maintaining strong partnerships with local schools, businesses, county and state officials, and the Missouri Department of Transportation. He is also committed to ensuring city departments have the staff, training, equipment, and technology needed to effectively serve residents.
In his free time, Bob enjoys reading, listening to music, cars, CrossFit, cruising, and traveling—especially trips to the beach. He looks forward to continuing to serve the Grain Valley community and helping preserve the small-town atmosphere and strong family values that make it such a special place to call home.
Kyle Sole
Alderman Ward I
(816) 847-6278
Ksole@cityofgrainvalley.org Kyle Sole was elected to Alderman of Ward I in April of 2024. He grew up in Blue Springs and moved to Grain Valley in 2017. He currently works at Honeywell under the Nation Nuclear Security Administration. Prior to that, Kyle spent 6 years as a law enforcement officer including Lafayette County and the Grain Valley Police Department. Kyle spent 6 years Active Duty USAF as a Pavements and Heavy Equipment Operator, one tour to Iraq, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Kyle also received four Air Force Achievement Medals, was part of the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard providing funeral and retirement services for service members, participated in the Big Brother Big Sister Program and assisted a Veterans Stand Down.
His favorite thing about our community is the small town feel with economic growth that gives promise of new opportunities for its residents and incoming businesses. His biggest hope for the future of Grain Valley is to maintain the safety of our City by supporting our Police Officers and also maintaining our roads and utilities without creating more cost to our residents.
Kyle lives with his wife, Cynthia and has one son, Landon, who attends Grain Valley Schools. They love to travel and love traveling new places whether US or abroad. They are huge Chief’s fans. They went to Chiefs games in the 2023-2024 season in Frankfort and Las Vegas for the Super Bowl.
Rick Knox
Alderman Ward II
(816) 935-6333
rknox@cityofgrainvalley.org Rick Knox was nominated as Alderman of Ward II for his first term on June 2nd, 2020 (election was postponed from original date on April 7th, 2020 due to COVID-19). He has lived in Grain Valley, in the same home, since 1980. He and his wife of 43 years raised 3 children here, who all graduated from Grain Valley High School. Rick retired from the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, after 35 years of years and attaining the rank of Assistant Chief.
Rick enjoys spending time boating at the Lake of the Ozarks and restoring antique semi-trucks. He also can often be spotted around town on his golf cart, with best buddy, Tank – an English Mastiff.
Ryan Skinner
Alderman Ward III
(816) 847-6295
rskinner@cityofgrainvalley.org Ryan Skinner was elected to his first term as Alderman of Ward III in April of 2022. He grew up in Grain Valley and graduated from Grain Valley Schools. He achieved a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from the University of Central Missouri. He lived in Columbia for several years before making his way back to Grain Valley in 2020. He worked in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff in Boone County and one year as a Police Officer in Oak Grove. Ryan currently works for Milbank Manufacturing as a Regional Sales Manager overseeing four territories in the central United States.
His favorite aspect of Grain Valley is the strong sense of community. He wants to put his knowledge of law enforcement and the private sector experience to use in his Alderman position to help make Grain Valley safe and prosperous.
Ryan and his wife, Laurel, built a home in Grain Valley in 2020. They welcomed their first child, Hayden, in September of 2021. They are excited to raise her in Grain Valley and in the Grain Valley Schools. He likes to spend his free time soaking up the sun outdoors at the lake or playing golf whenever he can.
Brian Bray
Alderman Ward III
(816) 847-6243
bbray@cityofgrainvalley.org Brian Bray was elected to his first term as Alderman to Ward III in April of 2023. Prior to the election, Brian served several years as a member of the Grain Valley Park Board contributing to the long-term planning of the Grain Valley Park system and stewardship of our community’s park lands.
Brian went to school to become an EMT-B/Paramedic and decided he found problem solving computer issues more enjoyable. He has been in IT 25 plus years now and currently works at Mastercard on their Decision Management Platform Team AKA a “structural architect” in the IT world. He conceives, draws, and plans for computer and software solutions.
Brian and his family have called Grain Valley home since around 2006. Two of his three boys have graduated from Grain Valley High School (GVHS) and gone on to pursue careers in the Air National Guard and the other as a personal trainer. His youngest is currently attending GVHS and a member of the JROTC. In Brian’s free time he might be found driving around, attending car shows and meet ups and specifically anything involving European imports.
Brian likes the potential the city has for growth and looks forward to serving on the Board of Aldermen to help guide that growth in a responsible way.