The City of Topeka announced Friday two new leadership position changes.
Alicia Guerrero-Chavez will serve as the city’s new director of human resources. Guerrero-Chavez has previously served as the city’s internal investigator, with a background in risk management, since 2023. She has served as the interim-HR Director since April 2025. Guerrero-Chavez has a Juris Doctor from Washburn University’s School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. Guerrero-Chavez is a past Topeka “Top 20 Under 40” Honoree and is active with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and the Shawnee Heights District. Guerrero-Chavez’s appointment will take effect on August 29, 2025.
Nick Jefferson was also announced to serve as the interim city attorney for the City of Topeka. Jefferson currently serves as chief of litigation for the City of Topeka, where he leads the defense of municipal lawsuits with a primary focus on tort, employment, and constitutional litigation. With a legal career spanning over a decade, Nick has significant experience in both public and private sectors, including three years in private practice, nearly ten years at the City of Topeka, and an earlier career as a civil engineer. A licensed attorney and professional engineer, Nick has served the City as a lawyer, engineer, and as a former member of the City’s Planning Commission. He has also taught for a number of years as an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law. Jefferson’s appointment will take effect on September 6, 2025.
