By MATT PIKE
The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri has announced that James Fisher will serve as its next president and CEO, effective May 19th.
The local nonprofit, which is focused on promoting charitable giving to improve the quality of life in northwest Missouri said in a news release this is a significant moment for the organization. Founding President and CEO Mary R. Hinde, who has led the organization for the last 16 years, will remain in her position through mid-May to help the transition. Hinde announced her retirement earlier this year.
Fisher brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a uniquely personal connection to the region, noted the release. Most recently, he served as the inaugural executive director of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, where he secured a funds for capital projects and increased the organization’s fundraiser from $80,000 to $350,000.
He previously worked in the Dallas region as chief development officer for Communities in Schools, working with corporate partners including ExxonMobil and AT&T. Fisher holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with emphases in animal science and agricultural economics from Missouri Western State University.
“Growing up on a small farm in northwest Missouri, I learned early the value of hard work, faith, family and community,” said Fisher in the news release. “The opportunity to return home and serve the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri as President & CEO is both professionally exciting and personally meaningful. The work of the Community Foundation is vital, and I am excited to build upon the strong foundation Mary and this team have created.”
Since its earliest days and Hinde’s, the nonprofit has administered more than 210 charitable funds and stewarded assets exceeding $41 million.
“Mary’s 16 years of dedicated leadership have built something truly remarkable,” Rachel Kagay, board chair. “The Foundation is strong, the staff is exceptional, and the community’s trust in this organization is deep. All of these truths are testaments to Mary’s vision and character. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to this mission, and we are committed to honoring that legacy as we welcome our next President and CEO.”
Hinde reflected on the transition as she prepares to depart from the organization.
“During my tenure with The Community Foundation, I have worked closely with the board and staff to grow our assets, increasing the quality of life in our region,” she said. “We have created an organization serving 18 counties through programming and fund administration. It is a perfect time in our growth to hand off the organization to new leadership and continued expansion. I am excited to welcome James Fisher as our next President/CEO.”
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