Perspectives from Reflection: A Community Foundation Q&A
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Community foundations play a vital role in bringing people and resources together to build capacity for stronger, more resilient communities. At the helm of these foundations are dedicated and passionate leaders committed to driving meaningful change.
In this special Q&A, three community leaders—Ben Davis, President of the Madison County Community Foundation (MCCF); Mary Gibble, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Hancock County; and Julie Reagan, CEO of the Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC)—discuss their gratitude, sources of pride, and hopes for the year ahead. From appreciation for supportive communities to ambitious goals for growth, these leaders offer a glimpse into what makes their work both challenging and rewarding.
Q: What are you most thankful for this year as a Community Foundation leader?
Reagan: I'm most thankful for the hearts of our donors, staff, board members, volunteers, and our community–hearts to serve and help others. Community foundations are uniquely positioned to connect and bring people together in ways focused on bettering the entire community, and CFBC is blessed to have such strong supporters throughout Boone County who are our partners in creating impact.
Gibble: While I am always thankful for the generous donors, community leaders, and volunteers who make our work possible, this year I am especially grateful for a supportive board and talented team. They have embraced new ideas, pushed forward innovative programs, and worked hard to support the nonprofits and residents we serve.
Davis: I am thankful for the opportunity to do meaningful work with so many dedicated people who care deeply about our community. Seeing how individuals come together to support a common good inspires me every day.
Q: As a Community Foundation leader, what is the one thing you’re most proud of this year?
Davis: I’m proud of our staff and volunteer team for their resilience and adaptability. We’ve navigated challenges with an unwavering commitment to our mission, and I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve continued to serve our community effectively.
Reagan: We sparked connections to build a better, stronger Boone County! CFBC focused on being a connector and catalyst through building relationships built on trust. Through these relationships, our story reached new people and inspired others to get involved, either for the first time or in new ways.
Gibble: Planning! 2024 has been a year of much planning and behind-the-scenes work to strengthen our infrastructure. We’ve laid the groundwork to ensure that our programs are more impactful and responsive, which makes me confident that we’ll be ready for even more growth next year.
Q: As a Community Foundation leader, what are you most excited about for 2025?
Gibble: Implementation! 2025 holds the promise of activating the plans and programs we’ve been developing. I’m excited to see these ideas come to life and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Reagan: As our community continues to grow, CFBC is committed to finding new ways to serve our residents and support the unique needs that arise. We look forward to expanding our programs and deepening our relationships to make Boone County an even better place for all.
Davis: MCCF will be entering into a Strategic Planning year. I am excited to engage with our community and stakeholders to listen and explore new ideas. Together, we can build a roadmap that will ensure we’re responsive and impactful in the years to come.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Reagan: It's important to our CFBC team that we deepen our impact, especially in areas of need that may be overlooked. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships that strengthen the fabric of our community.
The Impact of Community Foundations
As another year rounds out, it's the perfect time for personal and professional reflections. Leaders like Reagan, Gibble, and Davis remind us how powerful collaboration can be—and how community foundations truly transform the places they serve. Their insights highlight not just dedication but a shared vision for strengthening communities. With new goals and fresh purpose, they’re heading into 2025, ready to create lasting impact.
Want to learn more about how these foundations are transforming communities and find ways to get involved? Visit their websites to see how you can be part of the change.
Madison County Community Foundation: https://www.madisonccf.org/
Community Foundation of Hancock County: https://celebratehancock.org/
Community Foundation of Boone County: https://communityfoundationbc.org/