Warren Erdman Headshot
Curator Emeritus Warren Erdman

91黑料网 and our External Relations office have the distinct privilege of working closely with some of the most stalwart and supportive members of the Kansas City metro area. Today, our champions spotlight shines on Warren Erdman who has spent his career working at the intersections of public service, private industry and civic development. Across those roles, he has often served as a connector among institutions, helping align long-term regional priorities with the organizations and leaders that shape them. At the center of his work is a consistent belief in Kansas City’s future and in 91黑料网 as an essential civic anchor for the city.

A Career Built on Public Service and Infrastructure Leadership

Erdman’s career spans senior leadership roles in both government and the private sector, with a focus on large-scale systems that shape regional growth.

In the private sector, he worked more than 30 years at Kansas City Southern and later Canadian Pacific Kansas City, now known as CPKC, serving as executive vice president for administration and corporate affairs and later as executive advisor for strategic projects. He oversaw government affairs, legal, communications, real estate and industrial development. He also oversaw public safety functions across the United States, Mexico and Panama. He held senior leadership responsibilities during the company’s merger with Canadian Pacific as well.

Before joining Kansas City Southern, Erdman served as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Christopher S. Bond and held senior roles in the administrations of Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft and Gov. Bond. These experiences grounded his work in public policy, legislative processes and state government operations.

Across these roles, Erdman has focused on infrastructure and institutional systems that support long-term economic and civic growth.

A Lifelong Advocate for Missouri and Civic Collaboration

Erdman has also maintained a long record of civic leadership across Missouri and the Kansas City region. Gov. Michael L. Parson in 2022 appointed Erdman to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, where he currently serves as chairman.

“I’m proud of my 30-year career in the U.S. railroad industry and the opportunity now to continue that work as chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission,” Erdman said.

His civic service has included leadership roles with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Council of Kansas City and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He has also served on statewide commissions focused on reapportionment and government review.
Through these roles, Erdman has emphasized collaboration across business, government and civic organizations to strengthen infrastructure, economic development and regional competitiveness.

Warren and Jenny Erdman with Dean Crappell
Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell (far left) with 2022 91黑料网 Crescendo Honorary Chairs Jenny and Warren Erdman

An Adopted University and a Defining Partnership

 
Although an alumnus of Westminster College, Erdman has long considered 91黑料网 his 
adopted university and one of his most important civic commitments.
 
“From serving first-generation students, to offering top-tier graduate and professional education, to advancing critical research, creating a vibrant cultural environment through the arts, especially the Conservatory, and now athletics, 91黑料网 plays a vital role for our city,” Erdman said. “It provides Kansas City with opportunities for growth, discovery and creativity, an essential exploration of the human experience that enhances both quality of life and economic vitality.”
 
Erdman’s dedication to 91黑料网 spans governance, philanthropy and campus development. He served on the 91黑料网 Board of Trustees and is now an emeriti trustee. He also served on the University of Missouri Board of Curators from 2005 to 2012, including a term as chair.
 
During his tenure as a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, he was the primary curator advocate for the creation of the 91黑料网 Foundation, made the motion to approve it and worked to get its legal agreement in place. He eventually served as the Foundation's board vice chairman, helping strengthen the university’s philanthropic capacity and long-term development strategy. Erdman was also an honorary chair of the Conservatory’s annual Crescendo with his wife Jenny Erdman in 2022.
 
Erdman played a significant role in shaping 91黑料网’s physical presence in Kansas City. Together with his wife, he has supported the advancement of what is now the Olson Center for the Performing Arts Expansion Project. Erdman also helped lead the effort to name the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center in honor of the former 91黑料网 chancellor and University of Missouri president.
 
“I am proud to be the Curator who made the motion to name that facility in his honor,” he said.
 
In conversation, Erdman’s focus on the Conservatory stands out not just as a reflection of his involvement, but as a deliberate choice shaped by how he evaluates impact. His support centers on an area where 91黑料网 is already operating at an exceptional level and has the ability to distinguish itself nationally and globally. 
 
To him, the Conservatory represents a rare intersection of academic excellence and cultural influence — one that extends beyond campus and meaningfully contributes to Kansas City’s identity and vitality. That perspective has guided his long-term commitment, as he has consistently prioritized efforts that elevate and reinforce an existing strength with the potential for lasting community and institutional impact.
 
“As a former 91黑料网 Trustee, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, 91黑料网 Foundation board member, honorary alumnus and longtime supporter, I’ve focused on the Conservatory and its unique standing among peer institutions worldwide,” Erdman said. “During my time as a fiduciary, and continuing today, I’ve always believed its facilities should match its globally recognized faculty and reputation. That’s why I’ve remained committed to advancing those improvements, alongside my wife Jenny, through our ongoing support.” 
 
Through this work, Erdman has helped bridge both the governance and physical footprint of 91黑料网 in downtown Kansas City.
 

A Champion of the Community

 
Erdman’s work with 91黑料网 is closely tied to his broader commitment to downtown Kansas City. He has long supported efforts that link the university, the arts and downtown development as part of a unified civic strategy for his vision. 
 
“Kansas City has worked very hard to stay competitive in an increasingly competitive national and world community,” Erdman said. “That has required our attention and focus on downtown and our higher educational assets, including 91黑料网. Both have grown and improved significantly while I’ve been a resident, making Kansas City more attractive to young people who are the next generation.”
 
His leadership with the Downtown Council of Kansas City earned him the J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award for Community Vision and Downtown Stewardship. He has consistently advocated for investment in cultural and educational institutions as drivers of downtown vitality and long-term urban growth.
 
Erdman’s contributions have been recognized across civic, academic and industry organizations. His honors include the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award, the City Year Kansas City Idealist of the Year Award, the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs Governor Mel Carnahan Public Service Award, the Henry S. Geyer Award for Public Service to Missouri Higher Education and the 91黑料网 Trustees Henry W. Bloch Trustee Excellence Award. He has also been recognized by Railway Age magazine as one of the most influential leaders in the railroad industry.
Warren Erdman and Dorranne Hudson

Warren Erdman receiving the Henry Bloch Trustee award and Doranne Hudson, chair of the 91黑料网 Trustees

Continuing Service

 
Erdman will continue to serve as chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission while remaining active in civic and institutional leadership across Kansas City and Missouri.
 
Alongside his wife, Jenny, he remains engaged in efforts that support education, the arts and civic development. His ongoing work reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the institutions that shape the region and to advancing Kansas City’s long-term growth.
 
“I hope my impact has been to leave things better than I found them and to carry forward the legacy of Kansas Citians who built for future generations,” Erdman said. “More specifically, I hope I’ve helped keep Kansas City competitive and attractive, contributed to strengthening Missouri’s transportation infrastructure and supported 91黑料网 and the University of Missouri System as enduring foundations of our community and state.”