Erica Terry, “a seasoned executive leader who has guided some of the region’s most respected organizations,” has been selected as director of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, the University of Kansas announced Thursday.
Terry comes from Susan G. Komen Kansas and Western Missouri, where she served as executive director, according to a message from the chancellor.
She previously served in roles at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Saint Luke’s East Hospital and as director for LIVESTRONG experience with the Sporting Kansas City soccer team. She also worked in roles at KU Endowment and the KU Cancer Center, according to the chancellor’s message.
Outgoing director Bill Lacy has led the Dole Institute for 17 years. Chancellor Douglas Girod thanked him in the message, as well as Fred Logan, who chaired the search committee to find the next director.
Terry will start in her role at the Dole on Oct. 4.
“Our search for this position presented tremendously talented candidates, which speaks well of the Dole Institute,” Girod wrote. “Erica stood out because of her diverse experience in civic leadership, philanthropy, advocacy and organizational leadership. Additionally, she believes, now more than ever, the Dole Institute can serve as a pillar for KU to foster discussions around contemporary issues and ignite passion around the importance of public service as exemplified by Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole.”
