Endeavor Heartland Announces Nikki Newton to the Board of Directors Through New Partnership Supported by Kemper Family Foundation
Kansas City, MO – Endeavor Heartland announced the appointment of Nikki Newton, president of UMB Private Wealth, to Endeavor Heartland’s board of directors.
Newton joins the board through a collaboration among UMB Bank and the Kemper Family Foundation with Endeavor Heartland, which is funding the board seat as part of its dedication to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and expanding opportunities for founders across the Heartland.
The partnership grew out of relationships developed through Endeavor’s National Selection Panel process, where Newton engaged with Endeavor entrepreneurs, mentors, and business leaders. Those interactions led to broader conversations about how UMB Bank and the Kemper Family Foundation could support Endeavor Heartland’s work.
“Kansas City has always punched above its weight when it comes to entrepreneurial spirit, and supporting the ecosystem that helps founders grow is core to what Christine and I focus on through our foundation,” said Sandy Kemper, Trustee of the Kemper Family Foundations, UMB Bank. Endeavor’s model, connecting high-growth entrepreneurs with the relationships and expertise they need to scale, aligns directly with that mission. We’re proud to support Nikki’s appointment to the board and the work Endeavor Heartland is doing across the region.”
“Nikki brings deep expertise in asset management, institutional investor relations, business strategy, and scaling global investment platforms,” said Canem Arkan, managing director of Endeavor Heartland. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the board. His appointment reflects not only the value of his leadership and experience, but also the strength of the connections that emerge through Endeavor’s network and create new opportunities to support entrepreneurs across the Heartland.”
As president of UMB Private Wealth, Newton oversees strategy, growth, and client services for the division. He has more than 25 years of experience in investment management and financial services, including leadership roles at Waddell & Reed and Ivy Global.
“My experience with Endeavor’s National Selection Panel gave me a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities facing high-growth founders,” Newton said. “I was impressed by the organization’s commitment to helping companies scale. I’m honored to join the board and look forward to supporting Endeavor’s mission of connecting founders with the relationships, resources, and expertise they need to grow.”
As a member of the board, Newton will help guide Endeavor Heartland’s strategy and support its efforts to connect founders with the resources, networks, and mentorship needed to scale their businesses.
About Nikki Newton
Nikki Newton is president of UMB Private Wealth, where he leads the strategy, growth, and client services for the firm’s wealth platform. With more than 25 years of experience in investment management and financial services, he specializes in building high-performing teams, scaling distribution strategies, and strengthening long-term client relationships. Prior to UMB, Nikki spent over two decades at Waddell & Reed, where he held several senior leadership roles. He later served as President of Ivy Global and Ivy Distributors, overseeing a 155-person distribution organization and leading strategic partnerships and P&L for the firm’s investment distribution arm.
About Endeavor Heartland
Endeavor Heartland is part of Endeavor, a global organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and driving economic growth. Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Endeavor Heartland serves founders across Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, providing mentorship, strategic connections, and access to capital. Through its network of world-class mentors and investors, Endeavor helps entrepreneurs accelerate growth, create jobs, and transform industries. For more information, visit us.endeavor.org/office/bentonville.