The Hoisington native and long-time Larned resident who has been named the new executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) is eager to start meeting with central Kansans and listening to ideas about growing their communities.
Jason Murray’s first day in his new position is March 4.
“I have a passion to build relationships in Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties,” Murray said. “I want to pursue opportunities to leave a legacy for communities and collaborate with those who have a heart to enhance our quality of life today and tomorrow.”
In the short-term, Murray plans to visit residents throughout the four-county service area. “Listening to their needs allows me to understand how GBCF can meet those needs. The next step is to establish ways to encourage youth to return to their community, such as additional come-home scholarships.
“Strengthening our local skill-set helps accelerate growth on a strong, youthful foundation,” Murray continued. “As younger generations succeed, they are more likely to establish endowments and scholarships. This is how a legacy is built.”
Establishing endowments is always a priority because they are the strength of non-profit entities and scholarship funds, Murray emphasized.
“Without endowments, long-term goals are difficult to achieve,” he explained. “Endowments allow visions of growth to become reality, as we actively engage with local residents and outline the ways communities and donors benefit from this long-range planning.
“This GBCF lifeline leads to stronger relationships through respect, trust and communication. Scholarships are at high risk of becoming one-time awards if we don’t have endowments, which are at the heart of our mission.”
A little background
Murray was born in Hoisington, and has also lived in Topeka and Manhattan. He has been a Larned resident for 28 years.
“I can relate to being born in a small town, raised in a city and then raising a family in rural Kansas,” Murray said. “One thing all rural Kansans have in common is pride in their hometown, which made them who they are today. Some may leave but they always want to go back to where they were raised. We want to encourage them to come home.”
Murray earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1995 and a master of accountancy the following year, both at Kansas State University.
His most recent employment was chief financial officer at Edwards County Hospital in Kinsley. He held CFO positions at H & H Roofing, Larned, and Alliance Ag & Grain, Spearville, too.
Murray’s background also includes: controller at Electrex Inc. and Seat King, both in Hutchinson; senior accountant at KMW Loaders, Sterling; and controller/chief personnel officer at both Kanza Coop, Iuka, and Heritage Feeders, Larned.
In addition, Murray is an adjunct instructor of Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship classes for Barton Community College at the Department of Corrections in Larned.
His current leadership experience includes serving as Larned city councilman; secretary/treasurer of Pawnee County Community Health Organization; Pawnee Peppers 4-H Club leader; Kansas Hospital Association Finance Committee member; and Civic Pride member.
At the first of the year, Murray was appointed to a position on the Larned Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development board.
“The experiences I have gained from serving on boards and committees, and teaching in the classroom have instilled in me a deep passion to evaluate community needs and find a way to fulfill them.
“During my years of city council experience, we have solidified our infrastructure and improved amenities, while keeping our tax valuation constant. I will use this background to work with citizens and the board of directors to resolve problems.”
GBCF President Kara Jecha
GBCF President Kara Jecha said 13 candidates applied for the executive director position.
“Since he lives here, Jason understands the Golden Belt area and is passionate about community and youth involvement,” Jecha said. “He also has a strong financial background and business acumen.
“Jason actually exceeded our expectations,” Jecha continued. “In the pool of six semi-finalists, who have an incredible mix of talent, Jason quickly rose to the top. He checked all the boxes.”
Jecha also noted that Murray’s experience in philanthropy, fundraising, strategic planning and working with non-profits were key factors in offering him the position.
At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.
