Nearly a Decade of Growth

Can you believe the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation has been around for TWENTY years? We couldn’t have done it without some incredible people, including Dr. Zak Stoulil. Dr. Zak has served on the Foundation’s Advisory Board for the past nine years. (Did we mention that Dr. Zak has only lived in Hardin County for ten years?!) We are fortunate to have had his voice and leadership for nearly a decade. Here are some of the incredible things that happened during Zak’s time on the board.

What first motivated you to join the board 9 years ago?

I liked the mission of the board and was looking for different ways to get involved in the community. I also liked that it would introduce me to people from around the county. 

Looking back, what has kept you engaged and committed for nearly a decade?

The leadership that Tam has provided and the great work that the foundation continues to do in the county for all types of groups.

How has your perspective on community service and leadership evolved during your time on the board?

I have looked more long-term and how we can keep these communities sustainable for many decades, not just years. We have a business and a young family, and the health of Hardin County will help both of those areas of our lives prosper. 

What were your priorities when you stepped into the role of chair?

Just keep the momentum going that had already been established. 

How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it influenced the board’s work?

I’m probably pretty laid back as a leader and like to let other people perform the roles they are in to the best of their ability. I will give thoughts to keep things going, but I do not micromanage. It has influenced the board by hopefully giving everyone a sense of purpose in the board and that their thoughts and work matter. 

What challenges did you face as chair, and how did you navigate them?

The biggest challenge has been the change in how our grant cycle has worked.. The grant cycle was a good challenge, but many different people had their hands in it. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of during your tenure as chair?

Continuing the momentum that the foundation has and keeping it growing as a respected and utilized entity in the county. 

What changes have you seen in the organization during your 9 years on the board?

Adding different types of grants that the board has control of and integrating them together to make it a more seamless process for both the board and our applicants. 

How has the board itself grown or evolved under your leadership?

Hard to say since almost the entire board has turned over, but it continues to be a great group that has the best interest of the entire county at heart. 

What initiatives or decisions do you feel made the biggest impact on the community?

Implementing the Schiller grant into the county cycle to best utilize all of the money at our disposal. 

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the board in the coming years?

To make great impacts on this county that needs to change its identity to grow and sustain the great communities here. There are so many positive attributes that Hardin County has to grow and focus on those attributes to make this a great place to live and raise families. 

What advice would you give to the next chair or to new board members?

Utilize the great talents and knowledge that everyone on the board can contribute. 

How do you hope your time as chair will be remembered?

As a person who did his best to make sure the foundation was in as great a spot when he left as when he entered the position. 

Was there a particular project, event, or moment that felt especially meaningful to you?

The paving of the River’s Edge Bike Trail from Steamboat Rock to Eldora. It is such a huge project for this area of the county and will help accentuate the great outdoors that we have in Hardin County. 

What have you personally gained or learned from your service?

I have met and gotten to know so many people from around the county that I would not have gotten to meet otherwise. It is fun to go to the different community events and see people on the board who are leading those events, or talk to them while attending. 

How will you continue to stay connected to the mission after your leadership role?

I will be there, paying attention to what the foundation is doing, and hopefully be able to utilize their resources in different groups that I am going to be more involved with going forward. I will also always recommend the foundation to people who want their money to provide a profound and lasting impact on Hardin County. Endowments can create stability and growth in an area like Hardin County that may not have the future population it does now. Hopefully, that’s not the case, and I believe the work the foundation has done will help prevent that issue from becoming a reality.