Cassie Pikarsky
Henry W. Bloch School of Management Alumni
Executive Master of Business Administration
Graduated Summer 2018
Pikarsky last year on stage at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium following the President’s remarks.
Cassie Pikarsky, a 2018 graduate of UMKC’s Executive MBA program, has had a professional journey as diverse as it is impressive. Before joining the EMBA program, she spent several years at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. She received her bachelor’s in history and business with a marketing concentration from Truman State University and a master’s in history museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.
Her realization that one could have a career in museums came during a college internship at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum and Truman Library Institute. “I loved history but I didn’t want to write, and I didn’t want to teach. It took me a while to realize that you could work in museums,” Cassie explains. This led her to pursue her first master’s degree and to her role at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
Cassie’s decision to pursue an EMBA was fueled by a desire to further her business acumen and expand her career horizons. “I always knew I wanted to get my MBA someday,” she says. The proximity of UMKC made it a convenient choice, and the program’s reputation sealed the deal.
One of the pivotal moments in the program was a class with Mike Allison which emphasized the importance of networking. Cassie recounts, “He was pushing us to prioritize networking so I reached out to some former colleagues, including my internship boss at the Truman Library Institute.” This networking led to a new role at the Truman Library Institute, where Cassie has thrived over the past six years.
Cassie’s role as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Truman Library Institute has showcased her exceptional project management skills. She was a key player in overseeing a $30-million museum renovation, part of a $55-million capital campaign. “When I look at all the projects that I’ve done, there are many times that I reference lessons from the EMBA program—from the public policy residency to finance and accounting,” Cassie notes.
Pikarsky giving a tour of the newly renovated Truman Library
Her responsibilities at the Institute extend beyond traditional museum work, involving complex projects such as the placement of a statue of President Truman in the U.S. Capitol and at the U.S. Ambassador to NATO’s residence in Brussels, Belgium. Both culminated in high-profile ceremonies attended by key national and international figures, including the NATO Secretary General, U.S. Secretary of State, and Congressional leadership.
These are in addition to high-profile events in Washington, D.C. that she has organized for the 75th anniversary of President Truman’s desegregation of the U.S. military in July 2023 and the creation of NATO in July 2024, and featured remarks from the President of the United States, Chair of NATO’s military committee, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “It’s my job to talk about the importance and relevancy of Truman’s legacy. It is beyond fulfilling to hear national and world leaders do the same,” Cassie recalls.
Cassie’s journey highlights the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and hard work. “Every project I’ve done has been a new learning experience. It’s the mix of history, business, project management, and problem-solving that has been so fulfilling,” she concludes. Her story is a shining example of how the Henry W. Bloch School of Management can empower graduates to navigate and excel in diverse career paths and leave a lasting impact in their profession and community.
By: Payton Covert (she/her), Alumni Director
UMKC Alumni Relations
