Kit Sawers

Kathryn “Kit” Richardson Sawers is the inaugural CEO of SMU’s The Dallas Office and vice president of the University. A respected civic leader with experience spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership and public-private partnerships, Sawers brings a strong track record of building strategic relationships and advancing high-impact initiatives across Dallas and beyond.

As leader of The Dallas Office, SMU’s front door to the city, Sawers will oversee efforts to strengthen the University’s engagement with corporate, civic and community partners while expanding opportunities in research, executive and continuing education, workforce development and student career pathways. Her work will focus on connecting SMU’s academic strengths, expertise and public facing opportunities with the evolving needs and growing energy of the Dallas region.

Before joining SMU, Sawers served as president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, where she led one of the nation’s most successful urban parks through a period of significant growth in visitation, programming, fundraising and national visibility. During her tenure, annual visitation nearly doubled to approximately 2 million visitors, and major donor and membership initiatives expanded significantly. She also launched and enhanced signature public events attracting tens of thousands of attendees and advanced planning for a transformational expansion over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Previously, Sawers served as chief development officer for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, overseeing major fundraising and corporate engagement efforts. She also served as vice president of special events for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, overseeing large-scale public programming associated with Super Bowl XLV across the region.

Earlier in her career, Sawers spent nearly a decade at SMU in leadership roles focused on public programming and external engagement, including directing the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series and the SMU Athletic Forum.

A Dallas native, Sawers earned a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law.