May 9, 2023

Brent Buerck Recipient of Jay T. Bell Award

Buerck Honored for Professionalism, High Standards of Accomplishment and Ethical Conduct

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Brent Buerck, city administrator for the city of Perryville, was chosen as the 2023 Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award recipient by the Missouri City/County Management Association (MCMA). The award recognizes his outstanding commitment to the profession of local government management and is the association’s highest honor for members.

MCMA established the Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award in honor of Jay T. Bell, who served as executive director of the Missouri Municipal League from 1965 until 1981. The award recognizes public service that displays the same high standards of accomplishment, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Bell felt strongly that the professionalism exemplified by city managers and administrators was an essential part of good governance.

Brent Buerck has more than 27 years of experience in the public service sector. He was appointed city administrator for the city of Perryville, his hometown, in 2009. He is known to serve with integrity and creativity, working to ensure all stakeholders are heard and respected in projects ranging from economic development to public works.

Buerck has a heart for service and serves as ex-officio on many boards, including the Perry County Community Foundation, Perry County EDA, Perryville Development Corporation, Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce, Perryville’s Downtown Revitalization and the Missouri National Veterans Memorial. He is currently chairman of the Southeast Regional Planning Commission and Perry County Heritage Tourism Board, along with the Missouri Municipal League Economic Development and Human Resources Policy Committee.    

Over the years, Brent has given numerous presentations on economic development issues, environmental issues, city management and a host of other topics. Prior to his time in Perryville, Brent spent 13 years working for the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS). DYS’s Missouri Model is nationally recognized for its therapeutic approach to treating juvenile offenders and their families. He finished his career in DYS’s Central Office in Jefferson City. There he was responsible for several areas of statewide import, including: policy council, medical services, emergency management, judicial and legal liaison, interstate compact and case management.  

 “Brent is very dedicated to the city of Perryville, and it is evident in his ability to build strong relationships with the citizens of Perryville and Perry County,” said Perryville Mayor Larry Riney.  “He is a man with vision, and we count on him to guide our city into the future with the assistance of its elected officials and community leaders.”

Buerck has a BS in Criminal Justice from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri. He is an alumnus of the Delta Leadership Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School Leadership Program for the 21^st Century and a is 2022 graduate of Leadership Missouri through the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was appointed in 2021 to the Missouri Development Finance Board by Governor Mike Parson, where he currently serves as vice-chair.

The Missouri City/County Management Association is the professional association of appointed local government administrators in the cities and counties. Learn more at www.momanagers.org.