CEO Academy of Kansas City at UMKC Mentors Next Generation of Leaders

Faculty for two-day event at Bloch School includes Chiefs president, retired CEOs

The University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management will host some of Kansas City's most well-known and respected business leaders.

The CEO Academy kicks off with a two-day event on October 17 at the Bloch School, and was born from the collective vision of former chief executive officers Bill Zollars of YRC Worldwide, Greg Graves of Burns & McDonnell and Dan Hesse of Sprint. Their experiences as executives inspired them to create a program that would educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.

"Bill, Greg and Dan fondly recall how when they started out as a CEO, established business leaders in Kansas City reached out to offer support and connect them with their network," said Brian Klaas, dean of the Bloch School. "They wanted to find a way to offer a program that would offer that same kind of support to Kansas City's next generation of business leaders."

The Bloch School has a strong tradition of leadership development and a reputation for cultivating senior business talent. The CEO Academy serves as a perfect extension of its mission.

"We're committed to helping to develop the next generation of leaders, and this outstanding program helps showcase the opportunities available at the Bloch School," Klaas said.

A standout feature of the CEO Academy is its impressive faculty. Among them and joining Graves, Hesse and Zollars are:

• Mark Donovan, president of the Kansas City Chiefs
• Beryl Raff, retired CEO of Helzberg Diamonds
• Brent Shafer, former CEO of Cerner
• David Feinberg, chair of Oracle Health and former CEO of Cerner
• Brent Stewart, former CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City
• Dave Dillon, retired CEO of Kroger

Participants in the academy will benefit from practical, hands-on learning. They will have the opportunity to develop critical, often underappreciated, skills essential for top-level performance. The CEO Academy will focus on teaching participants how to actively listen, absorb feedback and incorporate it into strategic decision-making. The program will also address how to overcome barriers to innovation, build a strong company culture and leverage key stakeholders to develop effective strategies.

The CEO Academy is not just about developing individual leaders, it's about investing in Kansas City's future. Zollars, Hesse and the other faculty members are dedicated to giving back to the business community that supported them throughout their careers.

"By offering their expertise on a pro-bono basis, they ensure that the CEO Academy remains accessible," Klaas said. "Fees generated from the program fund scholarships for Bloch School initiatives."