Honoring Pivotal Leaders
Presidents Day is a day of reflection for two pivotal leaders in our country’s history. In honor of Presidents Day, I’d like to recognize The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s first two leaders, who were pivotal in our local history. Barbara Deerhake and Katherine Kreuchauf were the first presidents of The Community Foundation. They set the stage for success and helped shape Hancock County into what it is today. Their legacies continue through our work.
Barb’s work with the Foundation began before the Foundation officially existed. Barb was the first employee of the Dorney Fund, which she nurtured and cultivated, and eventually led the charge to become The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in 1992. Barb served as leader of organized philanthropy in our community for over 21 years, bringing The Community Foundation from its very beginning to its status as a $50 million foundation. During her tenure, the Foundation awarded more than $17.8 million in grants.
Kathy was leader of the Foundation for 12 years. While at the Foundation, she led significant fundraising and community leadership projects, such as the transformation of Central Middle School into the state-of-the-art Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. With her leadership, the Foundation nearly tripled in size to $142 million and awarded more than $35 million in grants.
Most importantly, Barb and Kathy were both deeply involved in the community outside of work. Both volunteered extensively and served on numerous boards and committees, shaping the work of many other organizations, and living the Foundation’s mission.
I can confidently say that our organization and our community wouldn’t be where they are today without either of these passionate leaders. To say I’m grateful would be an understatement. Because of Barb and Kathy, the Foundation has a proven track record of supporting local philanthropists and making impactful grants.
Upon each of their retirements, a fund honoring them was established: the Barbara M. Deerhake Fund and the Kathy Kreuchauf Future Generations Fund. To learn more about these funds, or to make a gift in their honor, visit our website.
Personally, the example set by Barb and Kathy motivates me. Their tireless work set the tone for the work we still have ahead of us as a community. Our work continues, and together with donors, nonprofit and community organizations, and countless others, we will all continue to work to improve the quality of life for all in Hancock County.
Barb and Kathy have undoubtedly changed Hancock County for the better, and that change will carry on for generations.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Saturday, February 17, 2024.
