Stowers Institute for Medical Research Name Kristin Bechard as CFO, Treasurer

Kristin Bechard is the new chief financial officer and treasurer of The Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Photo credit: Stowers Institute.

Posted July 16, 2025

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research appointed Kristin Bechard as its new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Bechard will begin in her new role effective July 28th, according to a Wednesday release. She brings with her over a decade of senior leadership experience, most recently serving at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. While at the Kauffman Foundation, Bechard served as the CFO for over 9 years and oversaw the nonprofit’s $150 million annual operating budget.

She also has prior experience in key financial roles at American Century Investments and Arthur Andersen in the Kansas City metro area.

“Kristin’s proven track record of financial stewardship and her deep commitment to mission-driven work make her an exceptional addition to our team,” President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute, Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, said in the release. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we chart a sustainable course for advancing our scientific mission well into the future.”

In her new role, Bechard will lead long-range financial planning and the annual budgeting process for Stowers. Additionally, she will serve as a primary liaison with American Century
Investments and BioMed Valley Discoveries, as well as oversee financial operations for the Stowers Graduate School.

Bechard holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting and a master’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of Kansas.