Putnam County Community Foundation Names Interim Director

The Putnam County Community Foundation Board of Directors has engaged Ruth M. Purcell-Jones as interim executive director of the organization.

She will serve the Foundation and community as the organization initiates an extensive search for a permanent executive director to succeed Elaine Peck, who recently stepped away from her position after 17 years with the Foundation.

“Ruthie is respected in the Indiana philanthropic community and we are excited to have her join the Foundation,” noted Ken Eitel, president of the Foundation. “She was highly recommended as a person who will assist the Foundation’s transition to new leadership while maintaining stability and service.”

Purcell-Jones, more familiarly known as Ruthie, is a developer of organizations, teams, boards and people. Eitel said. She has worked as a consultant, coach, connector and facilitator for more than 25 years. Her clients appreciate her experience in leadership, personal and program development, coalition-building and governance.

She most recently served the Central Indiana Community Foundation as director of philanthropic services for the last five years.

A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, she has held program, management and leadership positions in various organizational settings including community foundation, county government, child welfare and community leadership in addition to an active consulting practice.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a law degree and cherishes her time with her husband and four grown children.

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1985 to administer funds, award grants and provide leadership, enriching the quality of life and strengthening community in Putnam County.

Persons may contact the Foundation at 653-4987; Ruthie at ruthiepj@pcfoundation.org or Ken Eitel, president, at keitel@pcfoundation.org for more information.