Mayor Kyra Watson began her political career in April 2004 as Councilman at Large for the City of Berkeley. Feeling that Berkeley was poised for success, under the right leadership, she began her quest for the office of Mayor. Having much success, she was elected on April 6, 2004, as the youngest mayor and first African-American female mayor in the history of the City of Berkeley.

Miss Watson has been a resident of Berkeley since 1970. She began her education in the Berkeley School District, which was later merged with the Ferguson-Florissant School District. She is a 1987 graduate of Berkeley High School and a 1993 graduate of St. Louis University with a B.S. in Business and Administration.

During her college years she enlisted with the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a Personnel Specialist. Mayor Watson was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E-5).

After graduating from St. Louis University, she began her career in the corporate world. Her first career was that of computer technical support where she continued to work for seven years. Always believing that, “you never stop learning” she earned a Web Developers Certificate through St. Louis University Continuing Education program. After which, she was able to make a career change into technical writing. She is currently employed full time at a company that builds software programs and hardware systems to administer radiation therapy.

Since being elected to public service, Mayor Watson has held informative activities for Berkeley residents. The activities are as follows: Women’s Self Defense Class, Voter Information Session, Winterizing Your Home Seminar, Mayor’s March walking program, Business Reception, and a review of the new voting machines.

In addition to being an elected official and employed in the corporate arena, Mayor Watson also finds time to participate on the following boards to help improve the quality of life in Berkeley: Missouri Municipal League, 8/06 – Present; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. Board Member, 6/06 – Present; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. – Membership Chairman - 1/07 – Present; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. – Election Committee - 5/07; National Conference of Black Mayors – Missouri Chapter, Inc., President, 1/06 – Present; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. – Health Chairman, 9/07 – Present; Information, Technology & Communication Policy Committee, (NLC) 6/04 – 8/07; Taxation and Finance Committee, (MML) 8/05 – 8/07; Legislative Affairs Committee, (St. Louis County Municipal League) 11/04 – 3/05; Ferguson-Florissant School District A+ Advisory Committee, 1/05 – Present; Ferguson-Florissant School District Early Education Advisory Council, 2/06; St. Louis County Economic Development Collaborative, 4/06 – Present; St. Louis Economic Development Housing Subcommittee 3/07- Present; Local Coordinating Committee, MSD – 9/06.

She is a member of the following governmental organizations: National League of Cities, 4/02 – Present; National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, (NLC) 4/02 – Present; Women in Municipal Government, (NLC) 4/02 – 4/06; Missouri Municipal League, 4/02 – Present; St. Louis County Municipal League, 4/02 – Present; Metro Mayors Association, 4/04 – Present; North County Mayors, 4/04; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc., 6/06 – Present; National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. - Missouri Chapter, 6/06 – Present.

She has earned a Gold Level Leadership Certificate through the Leadership Training Institute, which is the skills development arm of the National League of Cities organization.

Mayor Watson has taken training required by the Federal government in the following courses:
Striving to ensure that she is prepared for the future needs of her city, she has earned the following certificates:
Mayor Watson believes that community involvement and service are integral parts of effective leadership. She has been recognized as an African-American Legend by the St. Louis Argus in 2007 and has been recognized as an Advocate for Children by the Annie Malone Children’s Home.

Mayor Watson is an active member of Second Missionary Baptist Church, in Kinloch, MO. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, listening to music, traveling, attending live theater performances, and watching football, boxing, track and field events.