Carl Schramm Decides to Step Down as Kauffman Foundation CEO

KANSAS CITY, Mo, Jan. 3, 2012—The Ewing Marion Kauffmann Foundation and Carl Schramm, President and CEO of the Foundation, today announced that, after achieving the milestone of a decade of dedicated service, Schramm has decided to step down from the Foundation in order to return to scholarship and business.

"We appreciate the valuable service of Carl Schramm and his many contributions to entrepreneurship and education," said Tom McDonnell, chairman, speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees. "He has served the Kauffman Foundation longer than any former leader of the Foundation and longer than almost any non-founder executive. His service has expanded the influence of the Kauffman Foundation to have a truly global impact on the appreciation and development of entrepreneurship."

Schramm and the Trustees are committed to fulfilling the vision and maintaining the legacy of its founding donor, Ewing Marion Kauffman, by continuing to promote entrepreneurship and to improve education in our community and country. Under Schramm's leadership the Foundation has revamped Kauffman Scholars, created Global Entrepreneurship Week and became the authoritative source for research on entrepreneurship and its implications for growth and social welfare. Schramm has assured the Board of Trustees that he will continue to be available to support the continuing evolution of the Kauffman Foundation and its transition to new leadership that will address its ongoing changes and challenges.