Aug 22, 2022 | Press Releases

Anne Kubisch to retire from The Ford Family Foundation

National search for next president will begin in early 2023

anne kubisch ford family foundation

Anne Kubisch, president and chief executive officer, The Ford Family Foundation. Photo Credit: Lauren Reber Photography

Roseburg, Ore. — After serving as a leader for The Ford Family Foundation since 2013, President and Chief Executive Officer Anne Kubisch has announced her retirement, effective late 2023. Kubisch will continue to lead the implementation of a newly launched strategic plan for the next year as the Foundation seeks a successor.

“Anne Kubisch led the Foundation through a time of great change,” says Board Chair Toby Luther. “Under her leadership over the last decade, we have built the capacity of the Foundation to serve our rural friends and neighbors better.”

The Foundation has seen significant growth in resources, staff and capacity for connecting with and advocating for rural communities during the last 10 years. Scholarship programs have reached thousands of students, supporting a generation of alumni equipped to lead and serve. The rural community building movement has gained momentum across the region, inspiring inclusive visions for community-led change. Rural children and their families have benefited from stronger local supports and more rural-responsive public systems. Open door grantmaking continues to provide flexible funding to meet urgent rural needs. The leaders, students and advocates of rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, are equipped to create futures where rural children and communities thrive.

“Anne has guided our team through a strategic planning process that will set our direction for the next 10 years of work focused on ensuring children have the family, educational and community supports they need to thrive,” continues Luther. “We expect to grow our role as a champion of rural issues while maintaining our core commitment to community building in everything we do. We are incredibly grateful to Anne for her strong organizational leadership and advocacy for rural communities.”

“What attracted me to this position was the community building spirit embedded throughout all the Foundation does,” says Kubisch. “It is the greatest honor of my career to lead this amazing organization. I love my job, my colleagues and the goals we share. I know that the Foundation will carry on our ambitious work and maintain the same grounded ethos of connection and collaboration with those we serve. After all, wisdom lies in community.”

Kubisch is the second president of The Ford Family Foundation. Her tenure followed the founding president, Norm Smith, who served from 1997 to 2013.

“This Foundation has evolved significantly under Anne’s leadership,” says Allyn Ford, former Board Member and son of founders Kenneth Ford and Hallie Ford. “My parents would be proud of the growth we have seen and the Foundation’s commitment to serving rural communities.”

The Ford Family Foundation’s Board of Directors will conduct a national search for the next president and chief executive officer who will serve the Foundation and communities. The search process will begin in early 2023.

Download this press release PDF

About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford. Its mission is “successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation is located in Roseburg, Oregon, with a scholarship office in Eugene. www.tfff.org

General media inquiries
Mandy Elder, Learning Officer – Research and Communications
(541) 492-2393, melder@tfff.org

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Caption for photo: Anne Kubisch, president and chief executive officer, The Ford Family Foundation
Photo Credit: Lauren Reber Photography

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