COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HOWARD COUNTY PRESIDENT RON HARPER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT PLANS

February 6, 2012 -- Ron Harper, president of the Community Foundation of Howard County, has announced his plans to retire effective during the second half of the year.

Harper joined the Community Foundation of Howard County as president in 1999. In addition to his role serving Howard County, Harper serves as president of the Carroll County Community Foundation and the Clinton County Community Foundation.

"Ron's commitment to improving the quality of life in the community has helped the Foundation to enhance and expand its unique role in serving our communities," said Dana Davis, chairman of the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Howard County. "His ability to build relationships and to combine talents and financial resources has helped the Foundation to grow to more than $43 million in assets."

“It has been rewarding to work with the many individuals who give so generously of themselves as they endeavor to strengthen their communities," said Harper. "At this time, I do not have any concrete plans for the future. However, I plan to continue my volunteer work with several ministries that are doing important work to nurture and preserve families."

Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Harper worked in real estate sales and management in Howard County for 18 years and held various positions at Indiana University Kokomo from 1972 to 1981. His career with Indiana University started in Bloomington, Ind., in 1967.

Harper is a graduate of Morehead State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology and a master’s degree in guidance counseling. He is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Harper has three grown stepchildren and is married to Liz.

"During the next several months, we will begin the search for a new president," said Davis.

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit public charity in March 1991. The Foundation seeks to serve donors and make grants to benefit the citizens of Howard County.

The Carroll County Community Foundation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of local citizens. Its purpose is to serve the interests of donors, to make grants and to act as a catalyst around issues of community importance in Carroll County. For details about making a charitable gift or establishing a permanent endowment fund to benefit a charitable organization or interest in Carroll County, contact the Carroll County Community Foundation at (800) 964-0508 or visit the Web site at www.cfcarroll.org.