Deborah Wilkerson Named as Incoming CEO of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

The Board of Directors of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation today announced that Deborah Wilkerson, currently serving as the Community Foundation's General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Laura McKnight as the CEO of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation effective March 31, 2012. Bill Berkley, Chair of the Community Foundation Board of Directors said, "The Board is extraordinarily grateful for Laura's 11 years of service to the Foundation. While selfishly we are sad that her six-year tenure as CEO is coming to an end, Laura has made an incredible impact not only on our region, but also on the field of philanthropy. In fact, 2011 was a record year for the Community Foundation. Our Board knows Debbie Wilkerson is a proven leader who not only will carry on the important work of this Foundation, but also will be a tireless advocate for increasing philanthropy in our region."

Wilkerson, a Kansas City native, joined the Community Foundation in 1998 after practicing tax and estate planning law at the firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon. At the Community Foundation, Wilkerson has been responsible for the oversight of the organization and of the many complex charitable gifts that the foundation receives. In addition, Wilkerson has led the Community Foundation’s efforts to support large philanthropic projects benefiting the greater Kansas City region. She is married to Kevin Wilkerson, and is the mother of four children, ranging in age from seven to 14.

"I am honored to lead this exceptional foundation and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of two remarkable leaders, Laura McKnight and Jan Kreamer," Wilkerson stated. "I am proud of Kansas City's unrivaled commitment to philanthropy and will work hard to make certain that anyone in Kansas City who wishes to participate in philanthropy has the tools to do so." 

During McKnight’s tenure, the Community Foundation deepened its commitment to the development of innovative products and services that make charitable giving meaningful and rewarding for donors of all demographics across the entire Kansas City region. The Community Foundation is recognized both locally and nationally as a leading provider of charitable services, ranging from personal and corporate foundation funds to Giving Cards to family philanthropy resources such as Camp Charity, the Teen Giving Institute, and other tools and products that span a lifetime of giving across generations.

"I look forward to remaining involved in the industry of philanthropy,” McKnight said.  "In my next chapter, I hope to start a business that will encourage those socially responsible companies to broaden and deepen their commitment to giving in the workplace."

"Kansas Citians are known around the country for our generosity," said Bill Hall, President of the Hall Family Foundation. "The important work that Laura and the Board have done over the last decade to make charitable giving relevant to everyone in Kansas City is a point of pride for our region. Debbie is a talented leader. I am excited that she will promote the opportunity for individuals in our region to participate in charitable giving, at every level.”

Tom McDonnell, former Chair, Community Foundation Board of Directors said, "Debbie is one of the top legal experts in community foundation philanthropy. Her expertise, coupled with her understanding of our Kansas City region makes her a natural successor as CEO. The board has selected a very capable leader to move the Foundation forward."

In the 33 years since a small group of community leaders passed a hat, collecting $213.19 to establish the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation in 1978, community foundation donors have given more than $1.7 billion in grants to the nonprofit community. 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has ranked among the top ten largest community foundations in America since 1999, delivering innovative products and services that make charitable giving easy, meaningful and fun for all ages. The Community Foundation knows that every gift matters – no matter how big or small – and encourages donors to support the causes they care about. For more information, visit www.gkccf.org.