Crosby Kemper III

Rufus Crosby Kemper III is the former director of the U.S. National Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Previously director of the Kansas City Public Library from 2005 until 2020, Kemper's other experience includes CEO/Chairman of UMB Financial Corporation.

He chaired the Missouri Commission on the Future of Higher Education and additionally served on various boards, including the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the Kansas City Symphony, the Black Archives of Mid-America, and acted as founding chairman of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.

[3] The nomination was supported by the American Library Association,[4] followed by a January 9, 2020, confirmation in the United States Senate for a term of four years.

[8] In July 2023, a joint letter from Senators Marco Rubio, Mike Braun and Kevin Cramer was sent to Crosby, urging him to defund the American Library Association due to what they characterized as "actively discriminating" against Brave Books, a publisher of children's books affiliated with actor and Christian activist Kirk Cameron.