Celebrating our leadership transition

This week we celebrated the retirement of Anne Kubisch and welcomed Kara Carlisle as the third president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation.

With over two hundred guests in attendance – including family and long-time friends of Kenneth W. Ford and Hallie E. Ford, Foundation staff, grantees and partners – a celebration was held in Roseburg to honor Anne Kubisch’s legacy and to introduce Kara Carlisle to her new community.

We look forward to you meeting Kara and thank you for your partnership in ensuring that children have the family, community and educational supports they need to succeed. We are excited to enter this new era together.

Communications to build community

Aug 7, 2025 | Our News

Jennifer Lindsey has lived and worked in many places, but when she moved back to Oregon a decade ago, it felt like a homecoming. The new communications director for the Foundation, Jennifer is responsible for all internal and external communication efforts.

Child welfare and the power of parent voice

Jun 26, 2025 | Community, Family

Parents with lived experience of the child welfare system in Douglas County are now working with ODHS to improve outcomes for children and families.

Supporting families, preventing harm

May 6, 2025 | Community, Family, Health

Last month, we celebrated Child Abuse Prevention Month — a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to keep kids safe, especially in rural communities across Oregon where resources can be limited and families face unique challenges.

The backbone of rural Oregon’s economy

May 5, 2025 | Community, Economy

Launched in 2021, GRO currently supports four rural communities to build a network — a community ecosystem — that wraps around in support of local entrepreneurs. Find inspiration for ways to support small business in your community from these standout examples.

Celebrating our leadership transition