Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. For more than 25 years, her leadership has opened greater access to opportunities, shaped policies that expand resources, and better positioned communities to thrive. An award-winning public sector leader and educator, she is recognized for her ability to envision and implement innovative, data-informed solutions in complex organizations that yield sustainable impact.

Before joining the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace was the secretary of administration and the chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas, the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state’s history. Prior to that, she had a 15-year career in higher education, serving in leadership positions at University of Kansas, University of Missouri, and at Stanford University as an assistant dean of undergraduate admissions. She began her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, serving tours in China, South Africa, and in Washington D.C.

Dr. Burns-Wallace was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she previously has held board roles in organizations including the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She currently holds a faculty appointment at the University of Southern California.

The most important title to this Kansas City native is mom to her son, Xavier.