Contact:
Wendy Guillies, 816.932.1046; wguillies@kauffman.org
March 8, 2006, KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Board of Trustees of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation today announced the election of Trustee Thomas A. McDonnell as its next chairman. McDonnell, CEO of DST Systems and a veteran civic leader in Kansas City, will assume this role in September when the Foundation's current chairman, John A. (Tony) Mayer, concludes his final Board term after 12 years of distinguished service.
McDonnell has been a Kauffman trustee since 2003.
From its home in Kansas City, the Kauffman Foundation is regarded locally, nationally and internationally as a leader in developing innovative entrepreneurship programs and for catalyzing a comprehensive effort to help Greater Kansas City become a world-class model for K-12 math and science education.
"Tom will continue to provide invaluable leadership to this Board as its new chairman," said Tony Mayer. "He brings an impressive blend of skills and qualities – as a CEO of a successful global company, as a tireless and devoted civic leader, and as an individual committed to making a difference."
"Tom is a key force in shaping the face of Kansas City today and in setting the stage for its promising future," added Carl Schramm, the Foundation's president and CEO. "Bridging our community's business and nonprofit sectors, Tom has provided the Foundation with unparalleled insight – particularly in helping to articulate the vision for our new agenda to improve math and science achievement. We are very fortunate to have his leadership."
McDonnell has been with DST since March of 1969 and president since 1973. Headquartered in Kansas City, DST is a leading provider of information processing and computer software services and products to the financial services, communications and healthcare industries. The publicly traded company operates in 14 cities worldwide, employing approximately 8,500 associates domestically and 1,500 associates internationally. Under McDonnell's leadership, DST has played a key role in rejuvenating Kansas City's urban core by creating business and employment opportunities.
"I'm very proud of this Foundation's efforts, both here in our community and across the nation, and I'm honored to succeed Tony Mayer, who has been an extraordinary chairman," said McDonnell. "It is the great fortune of all of us who serve on this Board to be a part of fulfilling Ewing Kauffman's legacy."
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The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with partners to advance entrepreneurship in America and improve the education of children and youth. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. Information about the Kauffman Foundation is available at www.kauffman.org.