Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO, Suzie Light, Annouces Retirement, Successor Named
Long-time Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO, Suzie Light, has announced that she will step down from her position as CEO effective, March 1, 2020, in anticipation of her full retirement, effective June 30, 2020.
In May of 2019, Light notified the Board of her future plans to retire. At that time, the Board executed the Succession Plan they adopted in 2017, followed the process outlined within, and named Stephanie Overbey as the successor CEO of the Community Foundation. Stephanie has been with the Community Foundation in a number of leadership positions since 2000 and currently serves as the Associate Director.
Light began her tenure with the Community Foundation on August 7, 1993 as the Assistant Director. In January 1995, she was promoted to Executive Director, a position now called CEO. During Light’s leadership, the Community Foundation’s assets grew from just over $400,000 to more than $62 Million. The Community Foundation now awards more than $3 million in charitable grants annually, an amount 7.5 times greater than the total asset size of the Foundation when she started. Light has led the Community Foundation in the stewardship of a diverse board of directors, strong donor base and best practices in investing and grantmaking as evidenced by the Community Foundation’s achievement of National Standards for US Community Foundations.
“Suzie is a visionary,” said Community Foundation Board President, Sally Mahnken. “She sees the potential in all that is around her. She has the ability to bring people and entities together to make the vision a reality. It has been such a privilege to work with Suzie. Her enthusiasm, smile, intelligence and humor is so natural and easily caught.”
On March 1, 2020, Overbey will assume the role of CEO of the Community Foundation. Light will move to a part-time role as CEO Mentor. On June 30, 2020, Light will retire. The Community Foundation will host a retirement reception in her honor in June.
“We are confident that the Community Foundation’s impact will continue to grow under the leadership of Stephanie Overbey,” said Mahnken. “We are so fortunate to have been able to nonprofits a seamless transition. Stephanie’s education, skills and 20 years of leadership experience in every aspect of the Community Foundation’s work leaves her well-equipped to lead the Foundation in accomplishing its mission.”
Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has helped donors achieve their charitable dreams. The Community Foundation is a public charity that grants about $3 million annually in the areas of education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services. Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.
