Gail Richards, the longtime president and CEO of the Johnson County Community Foundation, hugs Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers after receiving a proclamation in her honor during her retirement party on Wednesday.
RYAN TRARES | DAILY JOURNAL
With the illuminated tree, carefully strung garland and the din of conversation and laughter, Wednesday’s gathering at the Johnson County Community Foundation has all the hallmarks of a festive holiday party.
But dozens of people came together for much more than season’s greetings. They came to honor one of the county’s most impactful leaders prior to her retirement.
The community came together Wednesday to celebrate Gail Richards’ and her myriad contributions to Johnson County as she prepared to step away from the foundation she had been part of since 2009. Friends and colleagues on a variety of projects laughed and told stories, taking time to speak with Richards and offer their congratulations.
Both Greenwood and Franklin honored her with special proclamations, and the community foundation presented her with a $5,000 to invest in a charitable organization.
For Richards, the night helped put a bow on a long and successful career.
“The next group is going to take it even further,” she said. “Board members, you have a great team. And anything you ever need from me, all you have to do is ask.”
Richards served for nearly 15 years at the president and CEO of the community foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation’s assets have grown from $10 million to nearly $40 million. Those assets have allowed annual investment in the community of over $2 million and management of 350 charitable funds.
She ensured the foundation repeatedly received national accreditation, helped complete four strategic plans, guided the foundation as it took control of a private foundation and was a founding member of the 100+ Women Who Care initiative.
In March, Richards announced her pending retirement. She would stay on board the community foundation staff, helping new president and CEO Kim Kasting as well as the rest of the staff transition into a new phase.
Through she had anticipated staying with the foundation until March 2023, the staff had done so well, she felt it was time to step away. Her last day will be Jan. 12.
On Wednesday, she thanked everyone for their help and support throughout her career.
“Without the support, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” she said. “The best part is, my successor is going to be a rock star; she already is and has been.”
Throughout the event, those who had worked closely with Richards expressed her impact on the community.
Board member Steve Spencer, who had joined the foundation’s board around the same time Richards came aboard, recalled her leadership during both difficult and flush times, including navigating the foundation through economic turmoil and a global pandemic.
“For years, Gail, you have worked hard with dedication, giving 100% of yourself every day. Fifteen years of service — endless problems solved, countless projects completed, lots of meetings, lots of phone calls, many life-changing experiences, everlasting friendships, so many people’s lives changed forever through the JCCF,” he said.
Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers and Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett both presented Richards with proclamations, dedicating Dec. 13 in her honor.
Kasting, who stepped into the role of president and CEO on Aug. 1, was appreciative of her mentor’s guidance over the years.
“She’s given us a wonderful 15 years, but she’s given more than that to the community, so we thank her for that,” she said. “I have personally loved working for you. You have been my boss lady for the past 15 years, my only professional boss lady, so I’m grateful for you and for this opportunity.”
In the end, Richards was grateful to be surrounded by friends in a place she loved.
“Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have asked for or written a better career for my life,” she said.
