Today, Darron Leiker joins the Johnson County Government leadership team as a new Assistant County Manager. That role was vacated in December 2024 with the retirement of Joe Connor.

Leiker comes to Johnson County from the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, where he served nearly 23 years. He began as Assistant City Manager in 2002 and became City Manager in September 2005, serving for 19 years. In that role he oversaw approximately 15 departments and 1,240 FTEs, prepared an annual budget of more than $233 million (FY 2024) and implemented the policies and goals of a seven-member governing body.

“I was very impressed with Darron’s 25-plus years of local government experience in leadership, strategic planning, performance measurement and data-driven decision making,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “He is very well versed in working with elected officials and overseeing departments. Darron is going to be a strong addition to our leadership team and the organization as a whole.”

This position brings Leiker back to Kansas where he began his career with the City of Salina as a Management Analyst and then moved up to the Assistant to the City Manager position. He also served as the City Manager of Sterling, Kansas, for three years. Leiker received his Bachelor of Arts at Washburn University, his Master of Public Administration at Wichita State University and is an ICMA credentialed manager. 

“Johnson County is highly regarded as a well-governed organization with a great reputation and quality of life,” said Assistant County Manager Darron Leiker. “Some examples that attracted me to this opportunity include the county’s impressive growth, bond ratings and strategic vision. I am excited to come back to Kansas and look forward to getting to know the Johnson County community and working this organization.”