President and CEO of Marion Community Foundation since 2000, Brad Bebout has announced his intent to retire at the end of this year. The foundation says a succession committee, created by the Board of Trustees, will fully utilize the luxury of several months of planning to search for Bebout’s replacement.
During Bebout’s 13-year tenure, he has guided Marion Community Foundation to National Standards accreditation. The National Standards accreditation, achieved in 2009, is awarded by the national Council on Foundations after a rigorous review process. National Standards accreditation recognizes community foundations that meet the highest levels of commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability. Bebout says achieving this accreditation is an example of the commitment he has brought to the Foundation. He said he has worked hard to ensure the Foundation’s exponential growth in both the number of funds and net worth, and furthered MCF’s high standards and impeccable reputation.
Under Bebout’s leadership, Marion Community Foundation received state-level recognition for its professionalism. Bebout is serving a second term on the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council, which identifies emerging issues in the field of philanthropy and advises the Attorney General on issues related to educational needs, policy development, and administration of charitable organizations.
Bebout, who hails from Convoy, Ohio, holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Ohio Northern University, where he graduated from law school in 1980.
He started his career by joining his father-in-law, Riley Hall, in law practice, along with brother-in-law, Kevin Hall. During his legal career, Bebout presided over hearings as a magistrate or acting judge in every court in Marion County. Although no longer in private practice, Bebout maintains membership in the Ohio State Bar Association and the Marion County Bar Association. He is a past president of the Marion County Bar Association.
Bebout has served the community on numerous boards, including the Palace Cultural Arts Association, Marion Palace Theatre Endowment Fund, Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, Marion Noon Kiwanis, Stengel-True Museum, Marion Area Counseling Center, Marion Goodwill Industries, Marion Civil Service Commission, Community Reinvestment Committee, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund and Handicap Awareness Association. He was recognized with a Community Service Award from Marion City Schools in 1994 and was named Marion’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 1985. He is a member of Marion Rotary Club as well as Marion Noon Kiwanis.
Bebout’s hobbies include music — mostly jazz, classical and show tunes – and theatre, an area of interest he shares with his son, Steve. Steve has directed shows on and off Broadway and on five continents. He had served as associate director of the Broadway musical, The Addams Family. He was recently hired to work in a similar capacity for The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Brad has performed in local theatre in Upper Sandusky, Bucyrus and Marion — primarily at The Palace. He has also directed at the Palace and he has served as a volunteer assistant director of several of Marion Harding High School’s musicals. He recently played the part of Tevye in the Marion Palace Theater’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Bebout’s wife, Carol, is the principal at Marion Harding High School. She will retire at the end of this academic year, having served 38 years in education.
“A few years ago, I was told that I have the best job in the county. I have come to realize that is true,” said Bebout. “The most rewarding part of my job is working with MCF’s donors. I’m fortunate to be able to brainstorm with them, dream together, and create legacies. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
In searching for the next CEO, the committee will begin by taking an in depth look at the organization, developing a professional profile and identifying the skill set desired for Marion Community Foundation’s next leader. The position will be advertized nationally.
The mission of the Marion Community Foundation is to assist the community in creating their own legacy through gifts that will give back to the community for years to come. The foundation says Bebout will also be leaving a legacy of commitment, caring, and community involvement that will live on after his retirement in December of this year.
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