Megan Crook works across public policy, strategy, and communications to move ideas from concept into action.
With nearly two decades of experience in leadership at high-impact organizations, Megan leads government affairs and public policy efforts for the Patterson Family Foundation. She works closely with communities, policymakers, and cross-sector partners to shape and advance priorities for rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri.
Before joining the Patterson Family Foundation, Megan led government affairs for the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, where she advanced legislative priorities and contributed to major civic initiatives, including the Kansas City 1% earnings tax renewal campaign and the KC Regional Investment Playbook. She served as head of external affairs at AltCap, a leading Community Development Financial Institution, and led a significant expansion of neighborhood grantmaking and investment programs at the Community Capital Fund.
Megan was selected as an Aspen Ideas Fellow in 2022 and remains active in civic and community leadership. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She grew up in rural Missouri and now lives in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood with her family.
Megan was selected as an Aspen Ideas Fellow in 2022 and remains active in civic and community leadership. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
“A thriving rural community is one that can sustain and strengthen its way of life. It can adapt without losing its grit or values, and its people can take pride in the legacy they carry forward.”
