Steve Spencer, right, talks about his time working with Gail Richards, left, the longtime CEO and president of the Johnson County Community Foundation, during Richards’ retirement party on Dec. 13. Spencer announced that he is stepping down as chair of the foundation’s board of directors as of Dec. 31, and will leave the board at the end of 2024.
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Another big change has come in the leadership of the Johnson County Community Foundation.
As of Dec. 31, Stephen F. Spencer concluded his term as chair of the foundation board of directors, having navigated the organization through the most successful period in its history. His departure follows the retirement of longtime foundation president and CEO Gail Richards, whose last day with the foundation is Jan. 12.
He will continue to serve on the foundation’s executive committee until his term on the board concludes at the end of 2024.
Spencer, a Greenwood resident, is a highly honored entrepreneur and involved citizen within the Johnson County community. His leadership will be missed, said board member Dan Nicoson, who will succeed Spencer as the chair.
“JCCF has been especially fortunate to have Steve, with his experience and leadership skills, to lead us in this very productive and busy time at the foundation,” Nicoson said in a statement.
Spencer has been part of the community foundation’s board since 2009, including previously serving as board chair. During his most recent stint as chair, the foundation received notification of Richards’ retirement. Spencer led the diligent search effort for her successor and a thorough transition plan, which led to naming Kim Kasting to succeed Richards as CEO and president.
In a joint statement, Kasting and Stephanie Marten, vice president of development for the foundation, said, “We are grateful for the countless hours Steve devoted steering the ship, the wisdom he imparted during decisions and the passion he infused into every endeavor. Thank you, Steve, for sharing your time, talent, and treasure.”
The conclusion of his term as chair of the board coincides with the foundation’s transfer of the operation of the Johnson County Employer Resource Network, one of the foundation’s most successful and impactful projects, to Aspire Johnson County.
Professionally, Spencer has been an active entrepreneur. His 42-year career as a designer and manufacturer of medical devices included working as a senior executive and division general manager with American Hospital Supply, now Cardinal Health.
In 1996 he founded Advantis Medical Inc., an instrument management orthopedic company. He continued to serve on its board of directors after the company was sold. Spencer also worked with the Food and Drug Administration and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, writing new sterilization packaging standards for the orthopedic and surgical instrument industry.
In 2000 he received the Blue Chip Award as one of the top 200 entrepreneurs in America and was recognized six out of eight consecutive years by the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University as one of the top 100 business growth executives in Indiana. He served two terms as president of the Indiana Medical Device Manufacturing Council.
Spencer currently assists entrepreneurial companies with business development.
In addition to his professional achievements and time with the community foundation, Spencer served three years as the president of the Economic Development Commission in Greenwood. He is a member of the New Hope Church Council and is a certified boxing coach in a program for Parkinson’s patients.
