With a deep affection for her hometown, Mayor Liz Gibbons embodies the spirit of Kirkwood—a community defined by history and family connections. From skating on frozen ponds as a child to raising her family in the city she loves, Mayor Gibbons is committed to preserving Kirkwood's charm while championing progress for future generations. In this candid conversation, she reflects on her journey, her inspirations, and her vision for the community she proudly serves.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle: Describe growing up in Kirkwood and why you greatly value the community.
Mayor Liz Gibbons: My husband, Mike, calls me a transplant to Kirkwood because I moved here when I was ten—so that tells you how deep his roots are. Our granddaughter, Rosie, is the fifth generation of Kirkwoodians on Mike's family side. Before moving to Kirkwood, I attended Clark School in Webster Groves. Once we moved to Kirkwood, I attended all the local schools—Robinson, Nipher, and Kirkwood High School. After college at the University of Tulsa, I returned to Kirkwood and have been here ever since.
I have a deep love for this city. Growing up here, everyone shares a strong connection thanks to having one high school that unites the entire community. Many of my friends' parents also grew up in Kirkwood, creating a sense of longevity and tradition that's rare today. It's a legacy that shaped my life and continues to attract new families to the area. I'm proud to call Kirkwood home, and it means so much to me that my children, Danny and Meredith, chose to raise their families here.
KCL: What do your grandchildren think of their grandma, the mayor?
Mayor Gibbons: I am so fortunate that my kids live just a half mile from my house. I always see the grandkids. Caroline is six, Beaux is four, and Rosie is five months old. My granddaughter Caroline loves telling people I'm the mayor. Once, when they ordered pizza, she reminded her dad, "Tell them it's for the mayor!"
KCL: What childhood memories stand out to you?
Mayor Gibbons: Winter comes to mind immediately! We all went to the skating rink every Friday and Saturday night in middle school. If you weren't there, you were missing out. I also grew up in a neighborhood with ponds that froze over in the winter, and we'd spend entire days skating. I feel lucky that we didn't have the distractions of cell phones back then. Our only rule was to be home by dinner, and every family had a bell, and when you heard your bell ring, you knew to head home immediately. I also loved sledding at Greenbriar Country Club—it was so much fun with all those hills! Growing up, I had a lot of freedom; those were truly magical days.
KCL: Who inspires or motivates you?
Mayor Gibbons: I often think of my mom. She was so quiet and unassuming—completely opposite of me. When I was little, I'd drive her crazy by talking to everyone in the grocery store! I admired her quiet, elegant brilliance and always wanted to be like her. But I'm more like my dad. He was outgoing and hard-working and had many friends from his football days at the University of Illinois. His drive and determination inspired me to apply those qualities to my pursuits.
KCL: What does your day look like when you are not at City Hall?
Mayor Gibbons: My mornings at the YMCA are my sanctuary. I'm an early riser—usually up by 5:30 or 6:00 am— and I try to hit the gym daily. Exercise clears my head and helps me tackle the day. I've also served on the YMCA Board, which deepened my connection to the organization.
Outside of fitness, I'm involved with the Frank Lloyd Wright House at Ebsworth Park, located on Ballas Road. I'm part of a ladies' investment group, and we recently took a trip to Philadelphia, a fun city to explore. I'm also part of the Rowena-Clarke Garden Club, based in Kirkwood, the oldest garden club west of Mississippi. Gardening lets me get my hands dirty and connect with the community differently.
KCL: What are some causes you're passionate about?
Mayor Gibbons: Trees, streetlights, the Train Station, Amtrak service, and the Grant's Trail Extension are passion projects for me. A new initiative I'm incredibly excited about is the Signature Tree of the Year. A group of Kirkwood residents who are tree experts, led by Bill Ruppert, came together to determine a signature tree for 2025. This year's tree will be the Post Oak. Stay tuned for more details. This effort encourages residents to plant more trees and get us back to deserving the title of "The Greentree City" and will create a greener Kirkwood for future generations.
KCL: You're Kirkwood's second female mayor. Does that feel empowering?
Mayor Gibbons: Being mayor wasn't something I ever imagined doing, but my passion for Kirkwood has always been strong. I want to ensure Kirkwood remains a quaint, thriving community for generations. This city has stood for over 150 years, and I want to continue that legacy. I'm focused on maintaining a healthy, vibrant environment where families want to stay, schools remain strong, and our children choose to return and raise their families. That is what makes Kirkwood so special, and I'll keep working toward it.
I want to improve the connection between elected officials and citizens. To that end, I started holding a once-a-month "Grounds for Discussion" coffee hour, during which citizens can bring their questions and concerns directly to the Mayor. I am also available at city hall every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. These sessions are in addition to phone calls, emails, and people stopping me on the street. I am so thankful to the citizens for passing Prop T so we can make some progress in improving our streets and sidewalks.
"Kirkwood has a legacy that shaped my life and continues to attract new families to the area." - Mayor Liz Gibbons