Kansas City, MO – April 1, 2025 – Richard W. "Dick" Brown, Chairman of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Chairman of American Century Investments, died March 27, 2025, in Kansas City at the age of 78. Brown is known as an influential, visionary leader who managed and led the organizations for more than two decades.

“Dick’s intellect was a beacon of excellence, reflected in his exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills,” said Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute. “I have yet to meet anyone who can match the depth and precision of his thought process. His ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and foresight was truly remarkable, often leaving a lasting impact on those around him.”

“Dick was not only a leader, but a visionary and steadfast champion of the Stowers Institute’s and American Century’s mission and values,” said Jonathan Thomas, President and CEO of American Century Investments. “His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the organizations he governed, as well as to the broader community, leave behind an indelible legacy with forward momentum.”

Brown’s involvement with the Stowers Institute and American Century began when he was entrusted with carrying forward the mission and vision of the organizations’ founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers. Mr. Stowers appointed Brown to serve in key leadership roles, guiding the organizations with unwavering dedication and foresight.

Brown served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Stowers Resource Management, Inc.; Chair of American Century Investments; and Chair of BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc. He held these roles until his passing. His leadership and strategic guidance were instrumental in advancing the missions of these organizations, helping to drive scientific discovery and financial stewardship.

Prior to assuming these positions, Brown served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Midwest from 1993 to 2003, where he played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare in the region. Under his leadership, the organization grew to provide 40% of the acute care for the Kansas City area.

At the Stowers Institute, Brown was a tireless advocate for Jim and Virginia Stowers’ vision, ensuring that the Institute remained at the forefront of foundational biomedical research. His belief in the power of scientific discovery to transform lives fueled his leadership. His work with Jim Stowers started in the 1990s, when he became a trusted advisor to help bring the Stowers’ dream of a world-class research institute to Kansas City. He became a founding board member of the Institute in 1998.

In 2000, the 600,000-square-foot Stowers Institute for Medical Research opened its doors in Kansas City. Today, the Institute has more than 500 members and 20 independent research labs dedicated to solving life’s most pressing biological problems.

In 2004, he transitioned to full-time Chairman of the Stowers Institute and Chairman of Stowers Resource Management, a supporting organization holding the bulk of the $2 billion gift Jim and Virginia donated to support the Institute. Brown also assumed the Chairmanship of BioMed Valley Discoveries, a for-profit technology transfer enterprise.

"Dick was naturally and sincerely generous, though he preferred to work behind the scenes, quietly moving pieces and aligning forces to help others overcome difficulties,” Sánchez Alvarado said. “He sought no praise, no recognition; the act of helping itself was his reward. This humility and selflessness were a testament to his genuine kindness.”

In 2007, Brown became the Co-Chairman of American Century with Jim Stowers, and the sole Chairman of the company in 2010. Brown was a guiding force in the company’s ongoing success. He was a steward of its unique structure where a significant portion of company’s profits each year fund research at the Stowers Institute. This financial structure reinforced the Institute’s commitment to long-term impact on human health and innovation.

Jonathan Thomas will assume the roles of Chair of the Board of Directors of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research as well as Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Stowers Resource Management, Inc. Subject to board approval, he will also be appointed to Chair of BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc. and Chair of American Century Companies. He has been a member of these boards for many years, and, in recent years, was named Vice Chair to serve under Brown as part of board governance and succession planning.

“Dick was deeply guided and inspired by his dedication to our founders’ vision, working tirelessly to bring their dreams to life,” said Thomas. “Quite simply, Dick’s engagement created better outcomes.”

Richard Brown's Obituary can be viewed here.

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
The Institute consists of 20 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

About American Century Investments  
American Century Investments is a leading global asset manager focused on delivering investment results and building long-term client relationships while supporting breakthrough medical research. Founded in 1958, American Century Investments' 1,400 employees serve financial professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors from offices in Kansas City, Missouri; New York; Los Angeles; Santa Clara, California; Portland, Oregon; London; Frankfurt, Germany; Hong Kong; and Sydney. Jonathan S. Thomas is president and chief executive officer, and Victor Zhang serves as chief investment officer. Delivering investment results to clients enables American Century Investments to distribute over 40% of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, nonprofit biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. The Institute owns more than 40% of American Century Investments and has received dividend payments of more than $2 billion since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com.

Media contact:
Joe Chiodo
Head of External Communications and Media Relations
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
724-462-8529
jchiodo@stowers.org