Missouri Humanities (MH) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jami Wade as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026.
Jami brings with her an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, education, development, and civic service. She is a lifelong Missourian who has most recently served as Executive Director of Missouri River Relief, a four-state conservation organization dedicated to connecting people through exploring, restoring, and caring for the Missouri River. While at Missouri River Relief, Jami oversaw staff growth, including the addition of a communications director, as well as board growth. She also led her team through an organizational rebrand and managed a multitude of partnerships and projects to introduce new audiences to the organization.
Founded in 1971, Missouri Humanities supports and creates programs that explore the people, places, and stories that shape Missouri. Through grants, public programs, digital media, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, Missouri Humanities serves individuals and organizations across all corners of the state.
The Missouri Humanities Board of Directors are confident in their appointment and future of the organization. Sudarsan Kant, Board Chair, said, “We are knit together by our stories and experiences that forms this remarkable quilt called Missouri. We are delighted to welcome Jami as the next Executive Director of Missouri Humanities and help lead us to the next chapter of the Story of US.”
The current Interim Executive Director, Chris Kempke, shared similar sentiments: “We look forward to Jami joining our team. She displays deep affection for the state and its people, and we’re excited to see Missouri Humanities grow under her leadership.”
Jami will be joining Missouri Humanities before the close of its 2026 fiscal year and will lead the team through strategic planning efforts that will shape the organization’s future. In addition, she will oversee the organization’s continued growth of development, grantmaking, community impact, and public engagement throughout the state.
“I have a deep and genuine love for Missouri, its communities, its history, and its people,” said Jami, “I could not be more excited to serve this organization and the half million Missourians it reaches every year.”
