Kansas City, MO, January 27, 2026
Gilmore & Bell, P.C. has announced significant leadership promotions in its Kansas City office, including Shelby Exposito as director and David Bushek and Sarah Granath as shareholders. These appointments emphasize the firm’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in public finance to better support governmental and community organizations. The promotions reflect a strong commitment to professional growth within the thriving Kansas City business landscape, contributing to key infrastructure projects and economic development in the region.
Kansas City, MO
Leading Public Finance Firm Strengthens Kansas City Team with Key Promotions
Kansas City’s dynamic business landscape continues to evolve, marked by the steady growth and strategic advancements of its integral professional services sector. In a testament to individual dedication and the enduring strength of the local legal industry, Gilmore & Bell, P.C., a prominent public finance law firm, recently announced significant leadership appointments within its Kansas City office. These promotions underscore the firm’s commitment to fostering talent and expanding its capabilities to serve the diverse needs of governmental entities and community organizations across the region and beyond.
Such developments within established firms are vital indicators of a thriving economic environment, showcasing opportunities for personal achievement and sustained professional growth. They highlight the continued importance of expertise in navigating the complexities of public finance, which in turn supports critical infrastructure and community projects, contributing significantly to Midlands economic growth and the overall prosperity of the area. This exemplifies how disciplined professional growth can empower institutions to better serve the community and facilitate broader economic objectives.
New Director Appointed to Kansas City Office
Gilmore & Bell, P.C. announced that Shelby Exposito has been named director in the Kansas City office. Her appointment reflects a commitment to elevating seasoned professionals who demonstrate exceptional skill and a deep understanding of complex financial legal matters. Ms. Exposito serves as bond counsel to various state and local government agencies, cities, counties, and school districts. Additionally, her expertise includes single family housing finance, encompassing single family mortgage revenue bonds, single family TBA programs, and mortgage credit certificates. Ms. Exposito is licensed to practice law in both Kansas and Missouri, bringing valuable bi-state knowledge to her role. Prior to her tenure at the firm, she focused on public finance and education law and served as a clerk for a federal judge. Her academic background includes a B.S. degree in Economics (summa cum laude) and a J.D. degree (magna cum laude), where she was a Senior Editor of a prominent law review.
New Shareholders Bolster Firm Leadership
In addition to the new directorship, Gilmore & Bell, P.C. also announced that David Bushek and Sarah Granath have been named shareholders in the Kansas City office. These promotions are a clear recognition of their contributions and leadership within the firm, reinforcing the depth of talent available to Kansas City MO business and governmental clients. Mr. Bushek specializes in economic development, planning and zoning, land-use, and municipal law, bringing extensive experience to his role, having practiced since 1994. He is a member of both the Missouri and Kansas Bar Associations. His educational background includes a B.A. degree, a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Kansas. Before rejoining Gilmore & Bell, he served as Chief Counsel of Economic Development & Planning for the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Ms. Granath serves as bond counsel to cities, counties, school districts, and other municipal borrowers. She also provides counsel to local governments on incentivized economic development projects. Ms. Granath was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2019 and the Kansas Bar in 2020. She earned her B.A. degree (summa cum laude) and J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was a Comment Editor for the UMKC Law Review.
Gilmore & Bell’s Role in Public Finance
Established in 1979, Gilmore & Bell, P.C. has built a reputation as one of the leading public finance law firms in the United States. The firm primarily represents states, counties, cities, school districts, and other governmental and quasi-governmental entities as bond counsel in municipal finance transactions. Beyond its core practice, the firm also serves as disclosure counsel and bank counsel in municipal debt issues and as corporate counsel in corporate securities financings. The firm maintains an extensive tax and arbitrage rebate compliance practice. Gilmore & Bell has consistently ranked in the top three firms nationally for the number of bond counsel opinions rendered on municipal bond issues, and consistently ranks first in the Midwest region in both number and dollar volume of long-term state and local government transactions. For more than 30 years, Gilmore Bell has ranked in the top 10 nationally in the number of bond counsel opinions rendered on municipal bond issues. The firm’s offices are located in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, and Illinois, demonstrating its broad reach while maintaining strong local roots in places like Kansas City.
Impact on Kansas City and Regional Economic Growth
The strategic expansion of leadership within Gilmore & Bell’s Kansas City office is a positive indicator for the legal sector and the broader Kansas City economy. Professional services firms like Gilmore & Bell play a critical role in facilitating capital formation for public projects, which are often the bedrock of economic development. Their expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks for municipal bonds and other financing mechanisms allows local governments to invest in essential infrastructure, educational facilities, and housing initiatives, directly supporting community needs and fostering a stable environment for Kansas City small business growth. This sustained investment in leadership signifies confidence in the region’s future and the firm’s continued ability to contribute to the economic fabric.
The professional and business services sector, which includes legal firms, is a significant component of the metropolitan Kansas City economy. This sector is more prevalent among employer firms in Metro KC compared to the United States as a whole. Moreover, the region has demonstrated strong entrepreneurial activity, with job growth often fueled by small businesses. New and young firms, employing fewer than 20 employees, were responsible for 66% of net new jobs created in the region over a recent five-year period. These businesses also paid higher starting wages on average, highlighting the positive impact of entrepreneurial innovation on local employment and prosperity. The continued strength and leadership development within firms like Gilmore & Bell contribute to a robust professional ecosystem that supports these broader economic trends and empowers Missouri MO entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The recent leadership announcements at Gilmore & Bell’s Kansas City office, with the naming of a new director and two new shareholders, highlight the firm’s strategic commitment to reinforcing its professional capabilities. These appointments not only celebrate individual achievement but also strengthen the firm’s capacity to continue its vital work in public finance, a field crucial for the sound economic development of Kansas City and the wider region. As the local economy continues to grow, fueled by the resilience of small businesses and the ingenuity of entrepreneurs, the role of experienced professional services firms in facilitating public and private investment remains indispensable. Readers are encouraged to recognize the foundational role that strong, well-led local businesses play in shaping the prosperous future of Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gilmore & Bell, P.C.?
Gilmore & Bell, P.C. is one of the leading public finance law firms in the United States, established in 1979. The firm primarily represents governmental entities and 501c3 organizations as bond counsel in municipal finance transactions, and also handles disclosure counsel, bank counsel, corporate securities financings, and tax and arbitrage rebate compliance.
Who are the new director and shareholders in the Kansas City office?
Shelby Exposito has been named director in the Kansas City office. David Bushek and Sarah Granath have been named shareholders in the Kansas City office.
What is Shelby Exposito’s area of expertise?
Shelby Exposito serves as bond counsel to state and local government agencies, cities, counties, and school districts. She specializes in single family housing finance, including single family mortgage revenue bonds, single family TBA programs, and mortgage credit certificates.
What are David Bushek’s and Sarah Granath’s areas of expertise?
David Bushek specializes in economic development, planning and zoning, land-use, and municipal law. Sarah Granath serves as bond counsel to cities, counties, school districts, and other municipal borrowers, and advises on incentivized economic development projects.
How does Gilmore & Bell contribute to the Kansas City economy?
As a public finance law firm, Gilmore & Bell plays a critical role in facilitating capital formation for public projects, such as infrastructure, educational facilities, and housing initiatives, which are essential for economic development and supporting small business growth in Kansas City.
Key Features of Gilmore & Bell’s Kansas City Appointments
| Appointment Role | Name | Primary Expertise | Significance for Kansas City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Shelby Exposito | Bond counsel to government agencies, cities, counties, school districts; single family housing finance. | Strengthens firm’s capacity in critical public finance areas, including housing development. |
| Shareholder | David Bushek | Economic development, planning and zoning, land-use, municipal law. | Enhances expertise for urban planning and incentivized development projects vital for local growth. |
| Shareholder | Sarah Granath | Bond counsel to municipal borrowers; advising on incentivized economic development projects. | Boosts firm’s ability to facilitate financing for various local government and development initiatives. |
| Firm’s National Standing | Gilmore & Bell, P.C. | Leading public finance law firm in the United States, consistently ranked top 10 nationally for bond counsel opinions for over 30 years. | Reinforces Kansas City’s position as a hub for top-tier professional services, attracting talent and investment. |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
