Brian Kihm

Brian grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where his parents started a ministry for international students attending the University of Kansas. This upbringing helped shape his lifelong interest in diverse people, cultures and cuisines. The grandson of a pastor, Brian gave his life to Christ at a young age and was raised in a family of strong faith. 

After finishing his bachelor’s degree at Drake University, Brian moved to Kansas City and joined the Wireless Division of the U.S. telecommunications firm Sprint. Over the next decade, he took on a variety of finance and marketing roles for Sprint while also completing his MBA at the University of Kansas.  

Brian later spent 14 years with Walmart and Sam’s Club, where he led finance teams across a variety of areas, including membership, credit, corporate strategy, merchandise planning and field operations. 

Brian joined Compassion as a vice president in March 2022. He is grateful to use his corporate finance and leadership skills in service of young people all over the world — continuing his family’s legacy in a fresh way. 

Brian married his high school sweetheart while in college, and they have three children. He and his family live in Arkansas and enjoy exploring local trails, lakes, state parks and diners.  

Brian is also an elder and treasurer at Catalyst Church of Northwest Arkansas, and he continues to cheer on his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. He remains a “long-suffering” Kansas City Royals fan.