Uber exec with KC ties resigns to explore Kansas politics
March 21, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
An Uber executive with strong ties to Kansas City has announced his resignation and return to Kansas.
Brian McClendon
Uber announced Tuesday that Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platforms at Uber, would be stepping down from his post as he explores a life in Kansas politics. A University of Kansas graduate, McClendon in January became an advisor to Kansas City-based venture fund Firebrand VC.
A native of Lawrence, Kan., McClendon said his political ambitions aim to improve the Sunflower State.
“After 30 years away, I’ve decided to move back to my hometown of Lawrence, Kansas,” McClendon said in a statement. “My roots there run deep and traveling back a few times a year no longer seems like enough. This fall’s election and the current fiscal crisis in Kansas is driving me to more fully participate in our democracy — and I want to do that in the place I call home.”
McClendon graduated from KU with a degree in electrical engineering and serves on several advisory boards for his alma mater. Prior to his two-year gig at Uber, McClendon worked at Google’s mapping department for a decade.
This announcement comes just couple days after Uber’s president of ride sharing Jeff Jones resigned. Jones cited a difference in “beliefs and approach to leadership as the reason for his leave, according to the original report from Recode.
McClendon appears to be amicably departing the ride-sharing giant. His last day is scheduled for March 28.
“I believe in Uber’s mission and the many talented people working there to make it a reality and that’s why I have agreed to stay on as an adviser,” McClendon said.
The news puts McClendon closer to his advisory role with Firebrand VC, an area fund that’s focused on investing in Midwest tech ventures.
“Firebrand is thrilled to welcome Brian as a new key member of our world class team,” Firebrand managing director John Fein told Startland News in January. “His technical and entrepreneurial experience will be a huge asset to the fund, periodically helping to evaluate the teams and technologies we’re considering investing in. Brian also has very close ties to KU and Lawrence which is already helping Firebrand engage more closely with those important communities.”
McClendon recently visited Kansas City in September during Techweek KC, delivering a keynote address on the future of driverless cars.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
End-of-life care platform wins top UMKC prize in young startup’s first-ever pitch competition
Serving as someone’s informal caregiver is a rewarding experience, but the pressure of being fully responsible for taking care of a loved one can take a toll on a person physically and mentally, acknowledged Nicole Staab and Rachel Blankenship. Through their startup, Rings of Care KC, they are providing support and resources for informal caregivers…
Brewkery closing its North KC kombucha taproom as ‘Lucky Elixir’ production heats up
Five years after opening its popular North Kansas City hot spot, the Brewkery — home of Lucky Elixir Kombucha — is moving and closing its taproom, co-founder Amy Goldman shared. With its lease about to end and rent increasing substantially, Goldman said, the move makes sense for the growing kombucha business. Although it’s bittersweet to…
Variety entertainer’s magic trick: Knowing whether his audience wants a clown (or Ruby in drag)
Dennis Porter’s success as a performer is scripted by the North Kansas City native’s talent at reading a room — adapting his jokes and wide variety of entertainment styles to fit the audience. If he’s doing it right, one of Porter’s characters brings a healthy grin to their happy faces, he said. “I am over-blessed…
Broadband internet is no longer a luxury; meet a group bringing access to KC’s most underserved children, families
Editor’s note: The following is the second in a series of stories focused on digital inclusion efforts in Kansas City, and is presented by Google Fiber. Those seeking change and equity in a rapidly evolving world of tech access must go directly to the people in need if they wish to truly eradicate the digital…