Kauffman adds comms leader to boost transparency, clarity as Foundation moves into new era of engagement

During a time of change and transition, a clear voice is more critical than ever, leaders of the Kauffman Foundation said Thursday, announcing Amy Unruh as the influential philanthropic organization’s new communications director.

“We’re in a really exciting chapter for the Foundation,” said Dr. Susan Klusmeier, chief of staff for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “Amy’s depth of experience communicating with varied audiences and instincts for clarity and connection make her an ideal fit for this key communications role.” 

Unruh, a current Kauffman Foundation associate, began her new role March 3, continuing a proven track record in thought leadership and strategic communication, the Foundation said, including through the role of its new community-oriented funding and engagement strategies.

“My work has always been about people, relying on the power of connection and strong relationships to move communities forward through listening and understanding,” Unruh said. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to deepening those connections with the community we serve.” 

She is positioned to direct internal and external communications for the Foundation in alignment with the values of the Foundation’s strategic refresh to provide clarity and transparency and foster community engagement. Unruh has been a key architect of the communications plan for the Foundation’s strategic priorities and grantmaking philosophy, working collaboratively to execute funding communications and engagements across diverse channels.

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The communications team is an integral collaborator with every team across the organization as the Foundation seeks to make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility. 

“We’re committed to equity, transparency, community engagement, and shared learning in service of the mission and legacy of this Foundation,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “Our communications are key and critical; we’re excited to have Amy in a position to execute on that commitment.” 

Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation in 2022, Unruh led communications strategy and execution in key roles at the University of Arkansas.

• As Senior Director of Administrative Communications for the Division of Finance and Administration, she supervised a communications team across multiple departments, supporting the Vice Chancellor and eight executive reports, providing all communications for executive staff in Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Parking and Transit, and University Police. 
• As Director of Communications for the Graduate School and International Education at the University of Arkansas, Unruh led comprehensive communications efforts including crisis communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a pivotal role in university-wide messaging response, serving as communications partner for the Chancellor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the University’s Communicable Disease Outbreak Committee. She launched the university’s first website dedicated solely to COVID information and developments, which became the “go-to” site during the 2019- 22 academic years. 
• As primary communicator for the Dean of the Graduate School, executive team, and key offices, she supervised a team managing graduate registration, commencement, website updates, and marketing, as well as regional and national media relations, storytelling, social media strategy, internal and external communications, and event planning.