News Release: 3/26/2026
DRUMM FARM CENTER FOR CHILDREN Names Sam Womack as Successor to Brad Smith, Embracing a New Era of Growth and Community Service
Independence, MO: March 26, 2026
Drumm Farm Center for Children, Inc., announced today the appointment of Sam Womack as the organization’s next Executive Director, following the retirement of longtime director Brad Smith. The transition will take effect on May 2, 2026, when Mr. Womack assumes responsibility for guiding Drumm Farm’s strategic direction, program delivery, and community impact.
Brad Smith, who led Drumm Farm for 15 years, will retire on May 1, 2026. During his tenure, Drumm Farm expanded programs, strengthened community outreach, and increased fundraising capacity to advance Drumm’s mission of inspiring the lifelong success of children in foster care and young adults experiencing homelessness. Brad maintains a deep connection to Drumm’s mission and is actively working to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
“We are grateful to Brad Smith for his tremendous stewardship of Drumm Farm and the lasting impact he has made on the organization. As we transition leadership, the Board remains focused on building upon that strong foundation while expanding our mission to serve more children and young adults, and we are excited to welcome Sam Womack as he leads Drumm into its next chapter,” said Drumm Board Chair Jake Loveless.
Sam Womack brings a robust track record in nonprofit leadership, program development, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining Drumm Farm, Sam served as the Director of Children and Family Services at Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St Joseph. Sam is a leader with an unwavering focus on serving youth in need and is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where children can heal, thrive, and achieve their potential. He brings a leadership style grounded in empathy, collaboration, and strategic vision.
Key priorities for Drumm Farm under Sam’s leadership include: expanding programming for youth, growing community engagement, and strengthening financial resilience to ensure Drumm Farm remains a place of healing for children and young adults.
“Drumm Farm has a special role in our community, and I am honored to lead this organization as we continue to grow our impact,” said Sam Womack. “I look forward to working with staff, volunteers, supporters, and partners to advance Drumm’s mission and create lasting, positive change.”
About Drumm Farm-
Drumm Farm is a nonprofit that anchors its work in providing housing and programming for children in foster care and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Drumm Farm provides three unique programs:
HOME—housing, support in a fostering community for children who have experienced abuse and neglect
COMPASS—housing and support for young adults experiencing homelessness, and
STREET OUTREACH SERVICES—meeting young adults experiencing homelessness where they are to offer support and pathways to stability.
Drumm Farm provides educational and mental health services across all three programs as well as workforce development opportunities at Drumm’s working farm and seasonal farmers’ market.
Drumm’s mission is to provide nurturing environments and quality services that inspire and yield the lifelong success of children, young adults, and families.
About the New Executive Director-
Since 2021, Sam Womack has served as Director of Children and Family Services at Catholic Charities of Kansas City – St. Joseph. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of a foster care residential program. His experience includes previous roles as a youth Residential Director, Deputy Juvenile Officer, and Psycho-social Rehabilitation Coordinator. Sam holds a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University and a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness from Grand Canyon University.
Media Contact Information:
Alisha Blackwelder
Director of Philanthropy
Drumm Farm Center for Children
Phone: 816 373-3434
Email: alisha.blackwelder@drummfarm.org
Website: Drummforkids.org
Drumm Farm Center for Children
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Alisha Blackwelder Director of Philanthropy
- March 26, 2026
- (816) 808-0124
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