New role for Foundation leader Dr. Susan Klusmeier

Susan Klusmeier, Ed.D., has accepted a new role as chief operating officer for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation after more than two years as chief of staff. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and philanthropy focused on advancing access, opportunity, and equitable outcomes.

The chief operating officer (COO) serves as the chief executive officer (CEO)’s strategic partner and operational leader, maintaining a lens of dedicated and critical focus for the Foundation’s operational effectiveness. Dr. Klusmeier will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Foundation’s enterprise-wide agenda, ensuring that programs, operations, and resources are aligned for maximum mission-driven impact. She will provide strategic oversight and leadership across multiple core functions, including Strategic Communications, Facilities, Sponsorships and Memberships, and Operating Programs (Real World Learning, Kauffman FastTrac, and 1 Million Cups). She will also provide strategic oversight and leadership for ProX.

Dr. Klusmeier will act as an internal integrator and external ambassador, ensuring that strategic initiatives are prioritized, executed with discipline, and communicated. In accordance with our mission and our founder’s intent, this role is designed to strengthen the Foundation’s effectiveness as we steward resources with accountability and impact. Dr. Klusmeier’s appointment began Sep. 16, 2025.