Officials

Mike Todd

Mike Todd has been involved as an elected official since 2004, when he was elected to his first term as an Alderman for Ward 2.  Mike went on to serve his first term, as Mayor, in 2010. He has stayed involved with happenings in Grain Valley, in one way or another, since. Mike is lifelong resident of Grain Valley and is proud to call Grain Valley his hometown. He is currently serving his sixth term as Mayor.

Mike attended Grain Valley Schools from kindergarten (Matthew’s Elementary) until his graduation from Grain Valley High School. His graduating class was the last class to graduate from the old school building that was located on Main Street. Mike furthered his education at The University of Central Missouri, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary School Administration. 

Mike is the President of the Grain Valley Fair Board, championing and organizing various community events such as the Grain Valley Fair, Food Truck Fridays and new in 2022, Grain Valley First Fridays. His family history is deeply rooted in Grain Valley, so it is no surprise he is also the Vice-President of the Grain Valley Historical Society. When he’s not event planning, Mike also enjoys traveling, especially to the warmer climates of Orlando and Las Vegas.

Mike married his wife, Tosha, in 2008 and they had their daughter (Harper) in October of 2009. He also has two step-sons (Noah and Jonah) who were also graduates of Grain Valley Schools.  He is currently a Special Education teacher in the Blue Springs School District.

Kyle Sole

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.

Tom Cleaver

Tom Cleaver was elected to his first term as Alderman to Ward I in April 2019.  Tom has worked for nearly 30 years for business to business sales, currently for Lippert Mechanical Service Company, where he is a Business Development Manager.  He’s been a Grain Valley resident for 14 years and enjoys the people who live within the community.  He also has a great appreciation for the schools and helped raise two step-children, who both graduated from Grain Valley High School.  Tom made the decision to run for Alderman as he looks forward to aiding more business growth, street improvements and ensuring the City’s infrastructure is in great condition for the City as it grows.  Tom volunteers for the Grain Valley Assistance Council and enjoys spending his free time exercising and traveling to warm places.

Darren Mills

Alderman Mills was elected as Alderman Ward II for his first term in April of 2019. He attended Ruskin High School and enlisted in the Navy, following his 1985 graduation. He served on the USS Prairie AD15 in Long Beach, CA. He works at Blue Compass RV in Grain Valley as their Sales Manager. He was awarded Salesman of the Year in 2019 and 2020. He and his wife, Christina, have lived in Grain Valley since 2012. Christina also works in Grain Valley at Studio Five Beauty Boutique They enjoy the small town feel and the people who live here. Alderman  Mills has served with the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) for the last 3 years, including serving as President for 1 1/2 years. He attends First Baptist Grain Valley, where he serves on the Personnel Committee and works with the children in Kidz Connect. He enjoys bowling, going to Royals and Comets games, and vacationing at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Alderman Mills looks forward to meeting the needs of Ward II residents and helping continue to make Grain Valley a place people want to call home. 

Rick Knox

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

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

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.