Beto Lopez

Beto Lopez is a dedicated public servant, experienced executive, and proud 30-year resident of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He is currently serving his second term on the Lee’s Summit City Council and has held the position of Mayor Pro Tem since first elected. Now running for Mayor of Lee’s Summit, Beto brings a proven track record of leadership, community engagement, and fostering public-private partnership. Beto serves as the President and CEO of Guadalupe Centers (GCI), one of the Midwest’s largest non-profit organizations. GCI also holds the distinction of being the oldest Latino-serving organization in the United States. He joined GCI in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer following more than 25 years of success in commercial real estate brokerage, development, and lending.

Beto began his career as a business development specialist with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City after graduating from Rockhurst College in 1991. He later earned an MBA from Baker University in 1994. His diverse professional experience includes leadership roles at Cohen-Esrey Real Estate Co., US Bank, Arvest Bank, and CommunityAmerica Credit Union, as well as a partner with ARO Real Estate Development Company.

Elected to the Lee’s Summit City Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Beto has been a strong advocate for smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. As Mayor Pro Tem he played a key role in shaping city policies related to public safety, infrastructure, and regional collaboration.

Beto is deeply invested in the Lee’s Summit community. He has served on the Lee’s Summit Planning Commission, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, is a graduate of the Leadership Lee’s Summit Program, and is an active member of the Lee’s Summit Rotary Club. Throughout his career, Beto has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service, actively serving on numerous boards and commissions that underscore his dedication to both local and regional progress.

Current Board & Leadership Roles:

  • City of Lee’s Summit – City Council Member/Mayor Pro Tempore
  • St. Luke’s East Hospital/Lee’s Summit – Board Member
  • Mid-America Regional Council – 1st Vice Chair
  • Missouri American Water Utility Company – Board Member
  • Hope Network – Board Member
  • Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce – Executive Board Member
  • KC Police Foundation – Board Member
  • KC Common Good – Board Member
  • Guadalupe Educational Systems Charter Board – President
  • Member of the Lee’s Summit Rotary
 

Previous Service Highlights:

  • Appointed Commissioner, Jackson County Sports Complex Authority (2004–2012); served as Chairman during the $600 million renovation of Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums
  • Board Member, Overland Bancorp/Bank of Belton (2006–2012)
  • Trustee, William Jewell College
  • Volunteer with United Way of Kansas City
  • Coach and Manager, KCSA and Athletics Club Girls Competitive Fastpitch Softball

Beto and his wife, Venessa, an attorney and Lee’s Summit Municipal Judge, raised three daughters in the community they love: Dr. Michaela Lopez, M.D.; Celena, an elementary teacher in the Blue Springs School District; and Sophia, who works with the St. Luke’s Hospital System in Lee’s Summit.

Beto has been an active parish member at St. Mark’s Catholic Church for over 25 years. He enjoys spending time with his family, supporting local sports, and hitting the golf course. Beto is a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and a passionate believer in the future of Lee’s Summit.