Robert A. Kipp

Chairman of Crown Center

Retired Vice president of Hallmark

Robert A. Kipp is chairman of Crown Center and retired Vice president of Hallmark. After graduating with his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1952, Kipp entered the U.S. Air Force serving as a communications and electronics staff officer. He returned to KU in 1954 to work on a Master's of Public Administration degree. He subsequently held significant positions for three different communities in Kansas and Ohio.

In 1970, Kipp was made director of city development for Kansas City, Mo. By 1974, Kipp was named city manager. He held the post for nine years and oversaw the routine as he facilitated monumental changes for the region, including the completion of Kansas City International Airport and Kemper Arena and initiation of Bartle Hall construction.

In 1983, Kipp was hired as president of the Crown Center, a strong cultural and commercial center that gives Kansas City some of its unique flavor. Kipp oversaw efforts to add new buildings and infrastructure to the center. He determined the long-term direction and planning for the development and creatively connected the center's real estate assets in a way that made them more valuable.

Kipp's wisdom, vision and pragmatic approach, combined with his knowledge and experience, have made him a valued contributor on dozens of task forces, commissions and committees that have helped guide Kansas City and KU over the past three decades.