Gordon Hibbard, president and chief executive officer of the Kansas 4-H Foundation, announced plans to retire from his position with the statewide non-profit organization.
In a statement released on Monday, Hibbard indicated that he intends to stay on in his current role through the end of 2014 to help with transitional issues.  
“While I’m very grateful to the Foundation’s trustees and staff for their support, it is time for me to step aside,” Hibbard said.  “I want to pursue other interests and allow someone else the opportunity to provide leadership for the Foundation’s future.”
The Kansas 4-H Foundation provides private support and services benefiting the state’s 4-H program. The Foundation’s projects include Rock Spring 4-H Center – the nation’s largest privately owned and operated 4-H camp and conference facility – as well as support for awards, scholarships, publications and financial services.  The Foundation also owns the Clovia Scholarship House, a cooperative living facility at Kansas State University.                         
“It has been an honor to serve the youth of Kansas during my 15 years with the Kansas 4-H Foundation,” Hibbard said, adding, “I am humbled by the support that so many Kansans, especially our trustees, professionals and supporters, have provided our efforts.”
The Kansas 4-H Foundation is the nation’s largest state 4-H foundation.  It recently completed a $12.8 million capital campaign benefiting the 4-H program, facilities at Rock Springs 4-H Center and the Clovia scholarship house. The campaign exceeded the foundation’s original goal by more than $2.8 million.
“The Foundation—and indeed, Kansas 4-H—benefitted immensely from Gordon’s vision and leadership,” Lee Borck, chairman of the Foundation’s board of trustees said. “He accentuated the ‘to make the best better’ in the 4-H motto while leading the Foundation during his tenure, particularly in the recent successful Growing Kansas Leaders Campaign that generated $12.8 million for Kansas 4-H and exceeded the $10 million goal. We are grateful for the strong position he will leave the Kansas 4-H Foundation in upon his departure.”
According to Borck, the Kansas 4-H Foundation’s Board of Trustees will be discussing the process for selecting Hibbard’s successor during its annual meeting and strategic planning effort in late April.   
Hibbard plans to remain in the Manhattan area.  Prior to his work with the Kansas 4-H Foundation, he worked 21 years with the Kansas Farm Bureau, including four years as the farm organization’s administrative vice president.