MCF Selects New President

The Board of Trustees of Marion Community Foundation has selected local attorney and educator Dean Jacob to succeed Brad Bebout as the organization’s next President and CEO, announced board chairperson, Susie Brown.

Jacob, according to Succession Committee co-chair Larry Geissler, most closely met the organization’s requirements for the top position – knowledge of the Marion area, a background in law, active in community organizations, and strong communications skills. The executive position had been advertised nationally and drew 100 applicants from across the United States and beyond.

“I feel very good about the process. It has been professional and strictly by the standards set by the Board,” said Geissler, describing as ‘deliberate’ the process which started in April. “We, as a committee, screened the 100 resumes individually, then compared notes as a unit. We identified 20 semi-finalists, refined those to a top 5 for committee interviews, and passed our final 4 on for interviews by the full Board; then, the decision was made.” MCF’s Succession Committee included Geissler, co-chair Rex Parrott, Board chair Susie Brown, Thomas Jenkins, Dr. Charles Garvin and Brad Bebout.

Jacob is a lifelong Marion resident and has been practicing law for 27 years, concentrating much of his practice in estate planning and probate. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from The Ohio State University. He worked as an educator with River Valley Local Schools from 1998-2013, alongside his wife, Sue, who is also a sixth grade teacher at River Valley.

Active in the community, Jacob serves as president of the Marion County Bar Association, and is a past president of the Marion Noon Kiwanis Club and River Valley Education Foundation. He is a Director with United Way of Marion County and the Wopat Family YMCA, and previously served as a director with the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. He is active with his church, having served, among other positions, as a member and president of the Pastoral Council at St. Mary Parish. He is an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Scantland Foundation’s Distinguished Citizens of Marion County award, the River Valley High School Distinguished Alumni Award, and a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference and Central District Coach of the Year for cross country.

“As President of Marion Community Foundation, I am excited about doing my part in making Marion a great place to live,” said Jacob. “I have long viewed Marion Community Foundation as a major asset to the Marion area and am very pleased to be a part of it. I am passionate about Marion’s future and look forward to continuing the outstanding work Brad Bebout has done as President and CEO.”

Jacob described Marion’s best assets as “its great people.” He emphasized its “great character and history” as well as its varied industry, infrastructure for industry growth, thriving small businesses, and a strong workforce as reasons to appreciate Marion.

“Under the guidance and leadership of Brad Bebout, the Board of Trustees, and professional staff, Marion Community Foundation has firmly established a high level of trust and integrity regarding the funds generously placed under its care,” he said. Marion Community Foundation was established in 1998 as a clearinghouse for philanthropic giving in the community. It serves as steward for more than 160 funds, worth a combined total of $40 million. MCF has awarded more than $6 million in grants and scholarships to Marion area students and non-profit organizations.

“The Foundation is recognized as a leader in helping fund charitable causes and organizations in Marion,” said Jacob. “Just as importantly, the Foundation is an integral part of helping these causes and organizations partner with each other to leverage and maximize the good things they do for the benefit of Marion.”

On a personal level, Jacob is an avid runner, having competed in several sprint triathlons and two marathons. His interests include travel, photography and community theater. He and Sue are the parents of two adult children, Kate and Austin.

Brad Bebout, who has served MCF as president since 2000, will continue his duties through the end of the calendar year. He will remain with the Foundation on a consultant basis through February. Jacob will officially take over the reins on January 1, 2014.

“As we travel in many of the same circles, I have known Dean for several years and am pleased with the Board’s choice,” said Bebout. “Having been born and raised here, he has a vested interest in seeing Marion succeed. The level of trust Marion Community Foundation has built and enjoys will continue to be very well placed in Dean.”