President of Kansas City’s WWI Museum to step down after 14 years
.jpg "Dr. Matthew Naylor, president & CEO of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, is stepping down next year, the museum announced.")
After 14 years, the National World War I Museum and Memorial will be looking for its next leader.
The Kansas City museum announced Monday that President and CEO Matthew Naylor will conclude his tenure in June 2027. The search for new leadership has already been initiated, with the goal of finding Naylor’s replacement by early 2027.
A native of Australia, Naylor came to the U.S. in 2002 and took over leadership of the museum in 2013. Under his leadership, the museum has hosted multiple high-profile events, including the 2023 NFL Draft, Kansas City’s official Independence Day Celebration, the Stars and Stripes Picnic, and now prepares for the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival.
.jpg "NAYLOR_MA_060214_DRE_0059f copy (1).jpg")
“Few people have the privilege of helping shape an institution that means so much to a community and a nation,” Naylor said in a press release. “Kansas City welcomed my family and me with extraordinary generosity, and I will always be proud of what we built together, from new galleries and programs to a deeper connection between this historic site and the public it serves. My focus now is ensuring the strongest possible transition for the Museum and Memorial’s next chapter.”
Naylor led the museum to two successful capital campaigns totaling over $100 million in philanthropic support. The institution also had multiple projects done under his leadership, including a complete renovation of the Main Gallery, the opening of the Wylie Gallery and addressing long-standing maintenance needs, amongst others.
The WWI museum has also been recognized nationally, ranked one of the 25 best museums in the U.S. in 2018, according to TripAdvisor.
The museum said that it plans to retain an executive search firm by spring 2026. The search will include listening sessions with staff, trustees, volunteers, donors and community partners to “develop a candidate profile reflective of the institution’s values and aspirations.”
According to the release, Naylor is planning to move back to Australia to be closer with his family. The museum also said that he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition once his tenure is finished.
