11/26/2025
Please join us in celebrating Cliff Illig and Kathy Nelson, named the 2025 Kansas Citians of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce!
Cliff’s impact on Kansas City spans decades and industries. As co-founder of Cerner, he helped build one of the most influential healthcare IT companies in the world—creating jobs, innovation, and opportunity throughout our region. His vision continued through Sporting Kansas City, where his leadership and investment helped elevate Kansas City into a premier soccer destination recognized across North America.
Cliff’s legacy is defined not only by business success, but by his commitment to community—believing deeply in what Kansas City can achieve when people come together around bold ideas and shared purpose.
We’d also like to congratulate Kathy Nelson, for her extraordinary work advancing Kansas City as a national leader in sports tourism. Her partnership and persistence have brought milestone events like the NFL Draft and the 2026 FIFA World Cup to our city.
Together, Cliff and Kathy represent the very best of Kansas City—visionary leaders shaping the region’s future.
Please join us in congratulating Cliff on this outstanding achievement!
Read the full Kansas City Business Journal story here:
🔗 https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2025/11/25/kansas-citians-of-the-year-illig-nelson-kc-chamber.html