Meet Kauffman’s new CEO: Foundation taps former diplomat, higher ed official to lead

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News.

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A Kansas City native is poised to take leadership at one of the region’s most prominent nonprofit organizations tackling upward mobility and economic prosperity, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced Tuesday.

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace has been named Kauffman’s next president and CEO following an extensive national search. Her appointment is effective Aug. 7. She immediately succeeds Susan Chambers, who has served as interim president since September 2022 following the departure of Wendy Guillies.

“Growing up in Kansas City, the Kauffman family and the Foundation have always been an integral and everyday part of our community,” said Burns-Wallace. “I grew up seeing Mr. Kauffman in our community and knowing the impact and engagement of the Kauffman Foundation throughout the city.”

Burns-Wallace began her career as a diplomat working for the U.S. State Department, including assignments in China, South Africa, and Washington D.C. She shifted to higher education where she worked across multiple institutions leading admissions and access initiatives, undergraduate education oversight, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership.

“Over the years as a professional engaging with the Foundation in various ways, I have developed an even greater appreciation of the deeply held values, rich legacy, and the community commitment that drive the mission of the Foundation to this day,” Burns-Wallace continued. “I believe our communities are a source of strength, opportunity, and inspiration. The Foundation’s many tools can foster innovative approaches that create sustainable, systemic change. But that change must be done in partnership – with those we serve, those with whom we collaborate, and those who lead with us. I look forward to working closely with the Foundation’s associates, our community members, and grantees to impact lives and transform communities.”

The Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Kansas City, Missouri-based foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities.

Click here to learn more about the Kauffman Foundation.

Burns-Wallace brings a wide range of experience to the Foundation including the public sector, foreign affairs, and higher education, the organization said.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly recruited her to join her cabinet as the Secretary of Administration and the Chief Information Technology Officer. Burns-Wallace was the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state’s history. She recently stepped down from that position after four years to return to academia, most recently holding a faculty appointment at the University of Southern California. She has also been consulting with nonprofits and higher education institutions, as well as serving as a member on the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations and on the Stanford University Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Burns-Wallace has the experience and leadership capabilities to further Ewing Kauffman’s legacy, catalyzing ideas and supporting solutions designed to improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help our communities and individuals thrive,” said Esther George, chair of the Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees and the search committee. “The board of the Foundation recognizes that the individual who leads this organization must understand and embrace Mr. Kauffman’s vision for the Foundation. The Foundation has evolved and will continue to evolve under Dr. Burns-Wallace’s leadership, to meet the needs of our community as we fund key initiatives and work with many partner organizations in Kansas City and beyond.”

Esther George was joined on the search committee by trustees Susan Chambers, Karen Daniel, Miriam Rivera, and Paul Schofer.

“My father started his foundation because he wanted to see real change happen for those who need it most,” said Julia Irene Kauffman, chair of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation. “I look forward to supporting Dr. Burns-Wallace as she builds on Mr. K’s legacy, working with others to create impact in Kansas City, learning from other communities, sharing what works and, importantly, what’s not working with others across the nation.”