Shane Carter Appointed: Executive Director, The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM)

Shane Carter steps into his role as Executive Director of TKAAM, leading the museum in honoring African American history and shaping its future.

(Wichita, KS.) The Board of Directors of The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Carter as its new Executive Director. Carter, an accomplished nonprofit executive, will begin his new role in May 2025.

“I am thrilled to join TKAAM at such a pivotal moment in its history,” said Carter, “The new museum and cultural center in downtown Wichita will not only transform TKAAM into a central hub for cultural tourism but will also expand the museum’s reach, engaging visitors and communities both locally and online.”

“Shane is a result-driven executive,” says TKAAM Board chair C. Edward Watson. “His knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience with programming for diverse age groups, fundraising, and community engagement made him the ideal candidate for this role. We are fortunate to have him.”

Carter’s passion for TKAAM’s mission resonates with the Board’s vision. “I’m inspired by the Board’s bold plans for the new facility, and I am excited to be part of an organization that is about to grow its offering to Kansas as an invaluable educational resource,” he added. “The opportunity to elevate the museum’s reach and deepen its impact is an endeavor I wanted to be part of.”

Ebony Clemons, TKAAM Board member, emphasized Carter's potential to advance the museum’s mission. “Shane’s leadership will be instrumental in maximizing the impact of TKAAM’s new cultural center. He will help us build upon our 28-year legacy and lead the museum into a new era of innovative programming and community service.”

This facility will not only safeguard TKAAM’s rich archives but will also provide a dynamic and immersive space to present the African American experience in Kansas. With innovative technology and expanded exhibition space, the new center will offer a more engaging and educational experience for visitors from across Kansas and beyond.

Originally from Ohio, Carter has spent the past 13 years as an executive leader at Lincoln Community Center, where he helped transform community programming and spearheaded fundraising initiatives. With his experience in nonprofit leadership and management, developing over 60 programs and fostering greater community engagement, while simultaneously fundraising for multimillion dollar projects, Carter is poised to lead TKAAM as it embarks on this exciting next chapter.