The American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th and Vine district expanded its leadership last week, adding six new board members who bring national music industry connections and deep community ties to the institution.
The expansion marks the first time in the museum’s history that it will include board members from outside Kansas City. The additions bring the total number of directors to 15. The newly appointed directors bring extensive expertise in music, urban development, public policy, and cultural preservation, strengthening the museum’s national reach.
“Our board reflects virtues we hold closely: collaboration alongside a deep respect for the legacy and future of jazz,” said AJM Executive Director Dr. Dina Bennett. “For the first time, our leadership team will welcome members outside the Kansas City community, meaning we are positioned better than ever to connect Kansas City’s jazz legacy to the broader cultural and musical conversation.”
New Board Members
Dr. Ashley Jordan – A distinguished historian and President/CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Jordan brings national experience, including a recent presidential appointment to the National Museum and Library Services Board. She follows in the footsteps of Rowena Stewart, AJM’s first executive director, who also led the African American Museum from 1985-1992.
Joseph Baldassare (Joey Balin) – A New York City-based producer and songwriter, Baldassare has over 20 million in record sales and a career spanning decades with major labels Elektra and Polydor. His work continues to reach global audiences through the Parisian Buddha Bar’s Living Theater series.
Ava Delsemme – With a background in musical theatre and public policy, Delsemme serves as Director of Public Policy for the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. She also sits on the boards of the Coterie Theatre and the University of Missouri Public Affairs Alumni Advisory Board.
Jon Copaken – A principal at Copaken Brooks, Copaken is a key figure in Kansas City’s urban development, having played a role in revitalizing the Crossroads Arts District and downtown.
Pierre Yancy – Managing Partner of Lumova Energy and Owner of Lumova Aerial & Media, Yancy brings a strong background in community service, including board positions with Nourish KC, Empower Missouri, and YES Liberia.
Scott Smith – The former CEO of HNTB Corporation, Smith now chairs the Jazz District Renaissance Corporation (JDRC) and serves on several other civic and educational boards.
Strengthening AJM’s National and Local Presence
The new board members will begin their work immediately. With these appointments, AJM aims to solidify its role as a national cultural institution while reinforcing its local impact.
“Each additional voice brings insight that will steer AJM and the 18th and Vine district into the future,” said Board Chair Dan Cranshaw.
The 18th and Vine district is undergoing a period of renewed growth, with increased investments and national attention. As Kansas City’s jazz heritage continues to gain recognition, the expertise of these new board members aims to help the AJM expand its influence and programming.
“Kansas City’s Jazz district is experiencing a true renaissance founded not only in the history and culture of the district but also on the active collaboration of the institutional pillars of the area,” said new board member Scott Smith. “The JDRC is pleased to be part of this continuing success in connecting our jazz district to Kansas City and to the world.”
An excellent introduction to the new board members and the expertise that they will bring to the current and future direction of the American Jazz Museum. Thank you Dr. Dina Bennett for your untireing American Jazz Museum leadership.