Paul Schofer, president and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, answers The Pitch‘s questionnaire

Name: Paul Schofer

Occupation: President and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Hometown: I grew up in Columbia, Missouri, but Kansas City is now my hometown.

Current neighborhood: Parkville

What I do: Lead a spectacular team that delivers Kauffman Center’s vision of enriching lives by offering diverse and extraordinary performing-arts experiences.

What’s your addiction? Ice cream – preferably Jamoca Almond Fudge.

What’s your game? Golf … or at least that is what I want to be my game.

What’s your drink? Coffee – dark, nothing in it and preferably strong enough to chew on.

Where’s dinner? On the backyard grill four to five nights per week.

What’s on your KC postcard? The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts … of course!

Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when … ” The Kauffman family made their home here. It’s scary to think about what this town might look like without them. No Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, no Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, no Kansas City Royals, no Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, etc., etc.

“Kansas City screwed up when … “ It didn’t start [until] two decades ago to promote our unbelievable arts community. We’ve made strides in the past few years, thanks to the work of the Mayor’s Task Force for the Arts and many others, but we can and should do better. Support of the arts is central to community vitality and economic health.

“Kansas City needs … ” More barbecue joints. In my opinion, there can never be too many!

“In five years, I’ll be … ” An empty nester when I send both kids to college.

“I always laugh at … ” Jane Chu, my former boss, who is now chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Jane is one of the funniest people I know!

“I’ve been known to binge-watch … ” March Madness basketball games.

“I can’t stop listening to … ” Royals baseball games. Once I turn them on the television or radio, I can’t turn them off. This could be their year!

“I just read … “ Impact: Great Leadership Changes Everything, by Tim Irwin. I know Tim and highly respect him and his writings.

The best advice I ever got: Put away the cellphone when you are with your family. Let them know they are more important than any incoming e-mails or phone calls.

Worst advice: I told a friend that I was thinking about taking the CFO job at the Kauffman Center. He advised against it, saying I’d be bored at a nonprofit. He could not have been more wrong. This is one of the most exciting places I’ve worked (and I’ve worked for some great companies and organizations). I’m glad I didn’t take that advice.

My sidekick: Cooper, our family’s Welsh springer spaniel

My dating triumph/tragedy: My wife! After turning me down twice, she finally said yes to a date.

My brush with fame: While hiking with my wife above the tree line in Colorado several years ago, I ran into two other hikers … one of whom was Martina Navratilova, the tennis player.

My 140-character soapbox: Try something new. Go to a performance that’s outside your comfort zone. Turn off the TV for a night – and I love TV – and go out.

Who’s sorry now? Anyone who doubted the Kauffman Center would help support our creative community and open up the doors to diverse and extraordinary programs.

My recent triumph: Taking my entire family on a medical-mission trip to Haiti in February. It impacted our lives immeasurably.

Schofer was named president and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on June 17.