KANSAS CITY, MO – Today, Jane Chu was confirmed by the United States Senate to the position of Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Chu was nominated by President Barack Obama to fill the position in February 2014. 

Kauffman Center Chairman of the Board Julia Irene Kauffman issued the following statement:
“I am thrilled that the United States Senate confirmed Jane Chu for the prestigious chairmanship of the National Endowment for the Arts. Although we will miss her at the Kauffman Center, I believe the president and the United States Senate saw in Jane what we know to be true in Kansas City: She is an outstanding leader who brings people together to get things done. 

“In my view, Jane’s confirmation is further validation of the important role the Kauffman Center plays in the performing arts, both locally and nationally. From the Kauffman Center and our wonderful resident arts companies to the hundreds of other excellent performing arts organizations throughout the city, Kansas City is a model for how a vibrant arts community can deliver positive results citywide. 

“With the full support of the board of directors and Kauffman Center staff, we will continue to build on the Kauffman Center’s vision of bringing outstanding performing arts to our community. Although Jane will always be one-of-a-kind, we are very fortunate that the Kauffman Center has a strong leadership team to carry on its mission.”