Community Foundation of Hancock County Planning for the Retirement of President/CEO Mary Gibble
The Community Foundation of Hancock County (CFHC), Greenfield, Indiana has announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mary Gibble, will retire at the end of 2025.
Under Gibble’s inspirational leadership since 2006, CFHC has added 300 charitable endowment funds and over $40 million in contributions. More than 6,500 new donors have contributed to a variety of causes. During this same period, approximately $20 million has been granted to support charitable causes, programs, and organizations in Hancock County and beyond.
“It is hard to express how blessed I feel to have served the community I love for almost 20 years,” shares Mary. “Any and all maturity of the foundation during my tenure is thanks to a caring community. Because of their generosity, the foundation has been able to act as a powerful grant maker and community influencer, not only locally but regionally and statewide.” Gibble continues, “CFHC is strong thanks to its exceptional staff, dedicated board members, and the tireless work of volunteers. My heart and head tell me that now is the right time to rest and for CFHC to identify the next visionary leader.”
A true believer in the impact of philanthropy, Mary and her husband established the Greg, Mary, Austin & Emily Gibble Community Development Fund in honor of John and Donna Scott in 2014. They contribute faithfully.
Gibble has created strong partnerships with Hancock County education professionals, nonprofit executives, elected officials, community planners, and business leaders for the enhancement of Hancock County’s quality of life. Her work through these important collaborations have emphasized nonprofit capacity building, educational attainment from birth, donor advocacy, and community planning and implementation.
In 2023, CFHC and its supporting organization, Legacy Properties of CFHC, took a bold step to move the foundation’s headquarters to 971 W. US 40. As a result, Mary led a talented team to develop a vibrant community hub, the Thrive Center.
“Under Mary’s aspirational leadership, CFHC has grown significantly. We celebrate her much-deserved retirement and wish her all the best in this next chapter of life,” says Willie McKinney, CFHC Board Chair.
The Community Foundation’s board of directors has initiated a succession plan and comprehensive search over the coming months with the objective of having a new President/CEO in place by the end of 2025. The board is dedicated to sustaining momentum, honoring Gibble’s legacy, and ensuring a smooth and transparent leadership transition.
Accomplishments at a Glance
Champion of Education and Youth
- Launched and endowed Imagination Library of Hancock County, providing access of early childhood literacy materials to 5,000 children and families
- Stewarded more than $650,000 scholarship awards annually
- Catalyzed the creation of education foundations across the county
- Established Y-GIVE, CFHC’s youth philanthropy board
- Authored and launched the Talent Pathway-Prepares and inspires community members for civic leadership across Hancock County
Champion of Community
- Author of Celebrate Hancock County program
- Influencer and leader in visionary community planning
- Advocate of arts, culture, and trail connectivity
- Advocate and funder of nonprofit projects, programs, and operational support