Brad Bumgardner retiring from Parke County Community Foundation

The following report on Brad Bumgardner appeared on the Parke County Community Foundation Facebook page.

Brad Bumgardner began his relationship with the Parke County Community Foundation in June of 1997 as a member of the Board of Directors. 

He served the Community Foundation in that role until he was selected as the Foundation’s first full-time Executive Director in August of 2000.  As Executive Director, Bumgardner has overseen all the Foundation’s professional staff and worked closely with the Board of Directors to build the Parke County Community Foundation into a highly respected community model.  Since his arrival, the Foundation’s assets have grown from approximately $165,000 to over $26 Million.  This growth includes the management of over 300 charitable funds. 

During Bumgardner’s tenure, the Parke County Community Foundation has distributed more than $22 million in grants and scholarships to benefit Parke County.  Bumgardner’s dedication to the Community Foundation and the entire Parke County community has made him an admired servant of Parke County.  He has played a vital part in many community organizations and projects and has served as a mentor to many throughout the community.
 

Alisa Wilson, Parke County Community Foundation’s Board Chair, spoke of Bumgardner’s leadership, “Brad has been the heart, face and soul of the Parke County Community Foundation for 25 years.  Under his vision and leadership, the Foundation has thrived.  Brad's extraordinary legacy will continue to benefit Parke County for years to come.”
 

Notable accomplishments and major projects of the Parke County Community Foundation during Bumgardner’s tenure as Executive Director include:  Founding member of Partnership Parke County, Ritz Theater Historic Preservation and Organizational Structure, Beachwood Park Pool renovations and improvements, renovations of the Parke County Tourist & Information Depot, Creation of Parke County Community Foundation Forever Funds, and other projects throughout the community.
 

While reflecting on his time and accomplishments while with the Foundation, Bumgardner stated “As I step into retirement, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support I have received from so many people throughout my journey. I have had the privilege of serving in the two best jobs in Parke County.  In my work at the church, I was blessed to build relationships, share Christ, and equip others to do the same.  I was again blessed while working alongside more than 100 dedicated board members who embraced the mission of the Community Foundation.  Because of the selfless work of these board members, donors and countless volunteers, the Foundation will be able to give over a million dollars in grants & scholarships each year, forever leaving a lasting impact on our community. Together, we helped others understand the Foundation’s role and extend its impact throughout the community. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities I have had to share my vision, collaborate with passionate individuals, and witness those visions come to life. It has been an honor to serve our community, and I look forward to seeing how these efforts continue to grow and bless others in the years ahead.”
 

Bumgardner is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  During his time at Lincoln, he played baseball and basketball and was named the 1982 Student Athlete of the Year.  On October 5, 2019, Bumgardner’s 1978-1979 basketball team, The Preachers, was inducted into the Lincoln Christian University Hall of Fame. 

Bumgardner was ordained as a Minister of Christ on March 6, 1983.  He served in ministry at the Rockville Christian Church for 18 ½ years where he held the titles of Youth Minister, Associate Minister, and his final role was Senior Minister prior to joining Parke County Community Foundation.  Bumgardner became a Certified Fund Specialist in 2016 through the Institute of Business and Finance.

Bumgardner is a life-long resident of Parke County.  On August 15, 1982, he married his wife, Susan Hatfield Bumgardner.  In Parke County, they raised their 3 daughters, Katie (Scott) Small of Oxford, England, Audrey (Sean) Smith of San Saba, Texas, and Emily Bumgardner of Brooklyn, New York.  They are also blessed with six grandchildren: Elena, Bennett and Exavier Small; Asher and Jett Smith; and a granddaughter arriving in April. 

When speaking of the added time he will have available in retirement, Bumgardner said “Family has always been at the heart of my journey and I’m grateful for the time ahead to focus on what matters most – cherishing moments with loved ones, making new memories, and embracing the simple joys of life.”
 

The Executive Committee of the Parke County Community Foundation has begun the implementation of succession planning.  The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Bumgardner have selected PCCF staff member Colleen Engle as Interim Executive Director.  Engle will serve as Interim Executive Director throughout the transition of Bumgardner’s retirement.