Leadership

KCAI's leadership are dedicated to empowering our visionary artists and designers for sustainable and transformative futures.

Dr. Peggy Shannon

The Nerman Family President

Dr. Peggy Shannon, The 26th Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute, is a visionary leader and artist with over 25 years of experience in higher education administration and the performing arts. At KCAI, Dr. Shannon leverages her extensive background in international alliance-building and studio practice to champion a culture of innovation, ensuring that students are empowered to lead as global citizens and creative change-makers.

Leadership Team

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Scott Giffen

Executive Vice President of Advancement & Strategic Communications
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Jim Harrington

Chief Financial Officer
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Darcy Deal

Vice President of Enrollment Strategy & Access
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Gina Golba

Vice President of Student Experience & Success
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Dr. Ronald Knight-Beck

Vice President of People & Culture
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Cyan Meeks

Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor

Executive VP of Academic Affairs Hiring Committee

The Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs (EVPAA) Search Committee was appointed in Summer 2026 following an open call for nominations.

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Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Josh Rowland, Board Chair | Community Volunteer
Holly Nielsen, Secretary | Baring Private Equity Global
Marc Woodward, Treasurer | Community Volunteer
Ellen Copaken | AMC Entertainment, Inc.
Beth Harmon-Vaughan | Community Volunteer
Sue Seidler Nerman | Community Volunteer, Excell Brands
Holly Nielsen | Baring Private Equity Global
Todd Voth | Populous Founder, Community Volunteer

Members

Darren Abbott | Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Cathy Bennett | Community Volunteer
Lynn Hoffman Carlton | Burns & McDonnell
Bill Crandall | Copaken Brooks Commercial Real Estate
Robin Broder Gibson | Henderson Engineers
Matthew Hufft | Hufft
Brian Kaufman | Prairie Capital Management LLC
Whitney Kerr, Jr. | Cushman & Wakefield
Jon Marzette | BarkleyOKRP
Dan Musser | Newmark Zimmer
Kim Newton | Artist & Consultant
Aaron North | Northward Consulting
Anna Turner | Stinson LLP
Alissa Wehmueller | Helix Architecture + Design
Murray Woodard II | Jackson County COMBAT
Tom Zahner | A. Zahner Company
Christie Zarkovich | Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Nancy Lee Kemper, Life Member | Community Volunteer
Lisa Maione, Faculty Trustee | Associate Professor in Graphic Design, KCAI
Bob Bernstein, Trustee Emeritus

Our People