Kansas City, MO, January 16, 2026
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City has appointed Dan Devers as its new General Counsel, effective January 26, 2026. Devers brings over 20 years of legal and business expertise, having previously served at Cerner Corporation. His appointment highlights the importance of experienced leadership in driving scientific innovation and community impact within the region’s biomedical research ecosystem.
Kansas City, MO
Stowers Institute Welcomes New General Counsel: A Strategic Move for Local Innovation
Kansas City’s biomedical research landscape continues to attract top talent, a testament to the region’s growing strength in scientific and entrepreneurial endeavors. The recent appointment of a distinguished legal executive, formerly of a prominent healthcare technology firm, to a key leadership role at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research underscores the value of experience and strategic vision in driving institutional success and fostering community impact.
This development highlights the dynamic flow of talent within the Kansas City MO business ecosystem, where seasoned professionals bring valuable expertise gained from significant corporate achievements to mission-driven organizations. Such transitions demonstrate a vibrant economic environment where individual achievement and the pursuit of innovation are deeply intertwined with the broader success of the community.
A Proven Leader Joins Stowers
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has named Dan Devers as its new General Counsel, with his appointment becoming effective on January 26, 2026. This strategic hire brings a wealth of legal and business acumen to one of Kansas City’s most vital research institutions. Devers possesses over two decades of experience as a legal and business executive.
Before joining the Stowers Institute, Devers held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cerner Corporation, a leading healthcare information technology company, prior to its acquisition by Oracle in 2022. His tenure at Cerner included significant accomplishments, notably negotiating the company’s sale to Oracle, a transaction valued at approximately $28.3 billion to $30 billion, which stood as one of the largest global transactions of 2022. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing an extensive portfolio of over 650 patents for Cerner. Devers’ academic background includes a J.D. with honors from the University of Missouri School of Law and a B.S. with honors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri. His new role at the Stowers Institute follows the retirement of Charles German, who served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the Stowers Group of Companies since 2020.
The Stowers Institute: A Pillar of Foundational Research
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is an independently operated, non-profit organization situated in Kansas City, Missouri. Its core focus is on foundational biological research, striving to uncover the fundamental processes of life. The Institute’s mission is to make a significant contribution to humanity through medical research by expanding our understanding of the secrets of life and by improving life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Founded in 1994 by James E. Stowers Jr. and Virginia Stowers, the Institute was endowed with over $2 billion of their personal wealth. The Stowers’ entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic vision are evident in the Institute’s unique funding model, which relies on annual dividends from American Century Investments, a global asset management firm established by Jim Stowers. This private investment model provides the freedom necessary for scientists to pursue groundbreaking discoveries without the encumbrances often associated with other funding mechanisms, fostering true innovation in Kansas City. The Institute opened its doors in Kansas City in 2000 and currently employs approximately 500 individuals across its 20 research laboratories.
Cerner’s Legacy and Talent Development
Cerner Corporation held a significant position as a major healthcare information technology company and was, for a period, the largest private employer in Kansas City. The company made a substantial economic impact on the Kansas City area, with estimates reaching at least $1.2 billion in 2016. Cerner’s presence significantly contributed to the development of a skilled workforce in the region, particularly in technology and healthcare. The transition of top-tier legal talent like Dan Devers from a large, publicly traded entity to a leading research institution underscores the quality of professionals cultivated within the Kansas City economy.
While Cerner’s acquisition by Oracle in 2022 led to shifts in its local workforce, with employee numbers decreasing from a peak of around 12,700-13,000 to approximately 6,400 local full-time workers by 2024, the expertise developed within such enterprises often finds new avenues for impact within the community. This movement of highly skilled individuals reinforces the resilience and adaptability of Missouri MO entrepreneurs and professionals, who continue to contribute to other vital sectors.
Strengthening the Biomedical Frontier
The appointment of a general counsel with extensive experience in navigating complex corporate landscapes, intellectual property, and strategic transactions is a significant asset for the Stowers Institute. As the Institute continues its mission of advancing scientific understanding and supporting breakthrough foundational research, the need for robust legal and strategic guidance becomes increasingly paramount. This move positions the Stowers Institute to further solidify its operational excellence and navigate future collaborations and scientific inquiries with enhanced legal clarity and foresight.
Conclusion
The Stowers Institute’s recruitment of Dan Devers represents a notable step in fortifying its leadership and operational capabilities. This reflects the dynamic nature of Kansas City’s business and scientific communities, where individual achievements and institutional growth contribute to the overall economic vitality. The seamless integration of high-caliber talent from diverse sectors into pivotal roles within non-profit research organizations highlights a collaborative spirit that benefits the entire region.
We encourage our readers to recognize the profound impact of institutions like the Stowers Institute and the caliber of professionals who choose to contribute their expertise right here in Kansas City. Supporting local endeavors, whether through engagement with scientific advancements or fostering an environment conducive to skilled professionals, is key to the continued growth and prosperity of the Kansas City economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dan Devers’ new role?
Dan Devers has been named General Counsel for the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
When is Dan Devers’ appointment effective?
His appointment is effective on January 26, 2026.
What was Dan Devers’ previous position?
He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cerner Corporation before its acquisition by Oracle in 2022.
What significant transaction did Dan Devers negotiate at Cerner?
At Cerner, Dan Devers negotiated the company’s sale to Oracle, a transaction valued at approximately $28.3 billion to $30 billion.
What is the mission of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research?
The Stowers Institute’s mission is to make a significant contribution to humanity through medical research by expanding our understanding of the secrets of life and by improving life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
How is the Stowers Institute for Medical Research funded?
The Stowers Institute’s funding model relies on annual dividends from American Century Investments.
What was Cerner Corporation’s economic impact on the Kansas City area?
Cerner Corporation had a significant economic impact on the Kansas City area, estimated at least $1.2 billion in 2016.
Key Features: Dan Devers’ Appointment to Stowers Institute
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Role | General Counsel at Stowers Institute for Medical Research |
| Effective Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Previous Role | Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cerner Corporation |
| Key Achievement at Cerner | Negotiated Cerner’s approximately $28.3 billion to $30 billion sale to Oracle. |
| Experience | Over 20 years as a legal and business executive. |
| Stowers Institute Mission | To make a significant contribution to humanity through medical research by expanding our understanding of life’s secrets and improving life’s quality through innovative approaches to disease. |
| Stowers Institute Funding | Relies on annual dividends from American Century Investments. |
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