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Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announces Ben Clouse as chief financial officer

Ben Clouse

Clouse will serve as a key member of the Foundation’s leadership cabinet, guiding financial strategy, stewardship, and operational excellence to advance the Foundation’s mission of fostering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable prosperity.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced today that Ben Clouse has been named chief financial officer, effective Nov. 11, 2025.

As CFO, Clouse will oversee the Foundation’s financial management, planning, and reporting functions, ensuring resources are effectively aligned to support programmatic and strategic priorities. He will also play a critical leadership role in building systems that promote transparency, accountability, and impact across the organization.

Ben brings a proven record of strategic financial leadership and a deep commitment to community. His experience guiding organizations through growth and transformation will be valuable as we continue to invest in ideas and collaborations that expand opportunity.

— Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace
President and CEO

Clouse joins the Foundation with more than 25 years of executive experience across a number of different industries. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer for CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc., where he led accounting, analytics, financial planning & analysis, investor relations, and treasury functions, and played a key role in strategic growth initiatives. His previous leadership roles include serving as CFO at Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., and executive positions at Airshare and H&R Block.

“I am honored to join the Kauffman Foundation and contribute to its mission of empowering communities and entrepreneurs,” Clouse said. “Strong financial stewardship is critical to advancing the Foundation’s work, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team and associates to extend the Foundation’s impact.”

An experienced chief financial officer with a history of strategic execution, operational improvement, and financial disciplines, Clouse holds a Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration from Kansas State University.

Clouse also brings deep community engagement experience, serving as board chair of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and as a member of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Finance Council.

Media inquiries may be directed to Amy Unruh via our media contact form, or by calling 816-932-1139.

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