SPRINGFIELD, MO.- Following a thorough strategic planning process in Fall 2025, the Friends of the Springfield Art Museum (Foundation) continues its organizational and fundraising growth.

Today, the Museum Foundation announced the establishment of an endowment fund; future proceeds from which will further benefit Museum programs and Foundation operations. Four families have stepped forward with lead gifts to launch the Foundation’s endowment effort: Matt and Jenny Edwards, Julie Aton Leeth and Sally Aton Baird in memory of their parents Nancy J. and Ray F. Aton, the Michael Kaye Carlie Trust, and the late Dr. Sandra L. D’Angelo.

“Endowments are the unsung heroes of nonprofit support,” stated Kate Francis, Foundation executive director. “Long-term, restricted investments augment annual operating needs and help organizations weather a changing economic and/or philanthropic environment. Endowment gifts – whether gifts of cash or estate plans – have lasting impact for an organization – and the community - for many generations to come.”

Starting July 1, 2026, Matthew Edwards, Service Manager for Connelly-Waldinger, will become chair of the Foundation, succeeding community volunteer Sonya Wise. Alia Lee, Founder of PLS Consulting, will become Vice Chair, Brian Riedy, CEO and President of Mid-Missouri Bank, continues as Treasurer, and Jason Rader, Forvis Mazars (retired), becomes Secretary. Other Foundation Board members are: Howard Cavner, MSU campus minister (retired); Leaster Gibson, Foster Hospitality Group; Shae Johnson, MSU associate professor (emeritus); Sarah Kerner, Associated Electric, attorney; Bryan Musgrave of the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave; Jesse Tyler, All True, partner; Chris Weiss, Spencer Fane, of counsel; Sonya Wise, community volunteer. The Museum governance board chair sits ex officio on the Foundation board.

The Foundation also announced today the establishment of an Emeritus Board, appointing Sally Baird as the inaugural member upon her resignation from the oversight board. Sally and her family have had many decades of connection to and support for the Museum. Her parents both served on the Museum board and Sally followed firmly in her parents’ footsteps, generously giving her time and treasure serving as a Museum docent, donor and volunteer in addition to her board service. She began her service to the fledgling Foundation in 2018 as the initial 30-Year Site Plan was developed and it became clear that the city-owned Museum would benefit from a private foundation to help fundraise for the transformative renovation and expansion project.

“Sally – along with the other board members named – have been instrumental in realizing the ambitious goals set by both the Museum in terms of facility expansion and modernization along with programmatic growth. The Foundation plays a significant role in raising the funds to support both of those important Museum functions,” continued Francis. “We would not be here today without Sally’s tireless efforts, sage advice, encouragement, and fierce advocacy for all the arts in Springfield.”

Francis recently transitioned to executive director of the Foundation in January, following a nearly five-year tenure as Museum Affairs Officer for Fundraising and Development with the city-owned Museum.