About
Core Beliefs
The Greater Clark Foundation is a health legacy foundation located in Winchester, Kentucky at the crossroads of two storied regions —where Appalachia meets the Bluegrass. The Greater Clark Foundation (GCF) aspires to build on these legacies toward a region rich in opportunities for all, while recognizing that the weight of history is unevenly distributed. Read our full Core Beliefs document here.
Our work is rooted in a set of core beliefs
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We believe the fate of all people is woven together.
We have an obligation to create a society that enables collective well-being and produces equitable power, access, opportunities, and outcomes, regardless of the social conditions one is born into. Historical imbalances of power have led to disproportionate outcomes based on a variety of social factors including race, gender, social class, and geography. We define equity as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate and prosper.
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We believe in the abundant capacity of people to create communities they cherish.
For this reason, GCF favors investments in people over projects.
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We believe in leading with love.
The word philanthropy means “love of humanity.” Love, rightly understood, is expressed both as care for one another and as courageous action to correct injustice, including dismantling systems of injustice.
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We believe institutional philanthropy should be a force for good in an increasingly complex world.
For this reason, GCF invests in strengthening underlying community conditions and social determinants of health.
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We believe GCF’s strength lies not only in our endowment, but in our relationships, actions, and influence.
For this reason, GCF will use all the tools available to achieve our aims.
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We believe it is possible to unlearn the systems, forces, and habits that have produced disproportionate and unjust outcomes.
Our integrity as community builders requires us to look deep within ourselves, our communities, our nation, and our world to reconcile truthfully and realistically the systems of power that prevent people from reaching their full potential.
Equity and Inclusion
The Greater Clark Foundation made a formal Commitment to Equity and Inclusion in December 2020, stemming from our Core Beliefs. Diversity may be measured by, but is not limited to, differences in age, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, class, religion, disability, geography, and profession. We are committed to proactively providing an inclusive and welcoming environment. Read our full Statement of Equity and Inclusion here.
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Vendors
GCF prioritizes local businesses as well as those led by individuals representing diverse constituencies when practicable.
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Staff and Board Development
GCF proactively seeks to recruit, hire and retain high-performing employees, board members, and volunteers who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
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Grantmaking and Community Development
GCF seeks grantees and community partners that incorporate these values into their mission, governance board, staff, volunteers, vendors, and constituents served.
Board of Trustees
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Darren Henry has lived in Winchester most of his life. He and his wife raised their two children in the area and now have two grandchildren who make Winchester home as well.
He graduated from George Rogers Clark High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s in Business Administration at Eastern Kentucky University. He has worked in the banking industry for nearly 32 years.
Darren is or has been involved with many local organizations, including the Phoenix Housing Corporation, Winchester Rotary Club, Foster Care Review Board of Clark County, the Winchester/Clark County Industrial Development Authority and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Darren joined the board of The Greater Clark Foundation to make a difference in the community, to create a place where his children and other youth want to stay or come back after their higher education and call Clark County home.
Darren’s board term began in July 2018. He served as vice chairperson from July 2020 through June 2022. He became chairperson in July 2022.
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Syndy Deese is a Clark County native, who returned home in 2012 after 35 years in Colorado. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, travel and spending time with family, including her wife Becky, her daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. Syndy has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years.
Syndy joined the board of The Greater Clark Foundation to make a difference in her community, creating a society in which everyone can participate and prosper. “I believe in creating a community in which you want to live, advocating for everyone, not just a few. When we make decisions that are based on belonging and love of humanity, everyone benefits. GCF does just that; they lead with love both in care for others and in actions taken to support others.”
Syndy is particularly influenced by her work with I Was Here and bringing the project to Clark County, with funding from The Greater Clark Foundation and the Clark County Community Foundation. She believes that “we can shift the spirit of our country to view each other through a different lens—one that values all citizens.”
Syndy’s board term began in 2017. She served as treasurer from July 2018 through June 2022 and became vice chairwoman in July 2022.
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Eric Hudson has called Winchester home since he was a young boy. Now, he and his wife are raising their three children here as well. His family are members at Calvary Christian Church and active in local school, sporting, church and music events.
A graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Eric attended three colleges in pursuit of his collegiate baseball ambitions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Coker College, in Hartsville, South Carolina and a Master in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. He currently serves as the Business Development Manager for Sekisui S-LEC America, LLC, located in the Winchester Clark County Industrial Park.
Coming from a bi-racial background, Eric has seen the impacts of social inequality since an early age. He was compelled to join the Greater Clark Foundation’s board due to its vision and approach that starts with “the inclusion of all people, promoting social equity, and opening access and opportunities for everyone to strive.” Eric knows this work is long-term, but believes in the ripple effect of GCF’s efforts.
Eric’s board term began in July 2017. He became treasurer in July 2022.
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Jen Algire is the President and CEO of Greater Clark Foundation (GCF), a place-based organization in central Kentucky dedicated to advancing civic engagement as a critical social determinant of health. Since joining GCF in 2012, Jen has led the Foundation’s efforts to foster trust, belonging, and inclusion within the community. Under her leadership, GCF strategically invests in initiatives that enhance civic and economic vitality, education, and well-being, with a focus on creating sustainable, long-term impacts. A true catalyzer, connector, and convener, Jen’s work emphasizes the power of love as a public good, recognizing its essential connection to effective policy-making and community building.
Prior to her role at GCF, Jen served as Chief of Staff for Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), the nation's leading healthcare alliance, and held leadership positions in private not-for-profit organizations and local government. Her professional interests include improving community governance, increasing civic participation, and promoting transparency to strengthen social capital. Jen’s career reflects her passion for using trust and civic engagement as tools for building healthier, more inclusive communities.
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Leola Hampton was born and raised in Winchester, Kentucky.
Leola recently retired from a 40-year career in healthcare where she “enjoyed building lasting relationships and friendships with many people in the community.” She received a bachelor’s in Clinical Laboratory Science at Eastern Kentucky University and is certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Being of service to others and giving back is important to Leola, which led her to join The Greater Clark Foundation Board of Trustees.
Leola’s board term began in July 2022.
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Marvin King is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Winchester, Kentucky. He was compelled to join the Foundation’s board because of his “desire to participate in projects and efforts to improve the overall health and quality of life of residents in our community.”
He spent the formative years of his career in corporate America in the information technology (IT) industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Drake University, a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the CEO and principal consultant of King & Company Consulting LLC, specializing in leadership development and diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities.
Marvin’s service on the GCF board is driven by its alignment with his core values of honesty, integrity, truth, freedom, and justice. His objective is to to be a part of a community that fosters vibrancy and deals with the social determinants of health in the community.
Marvin’s board term began in July 2018.
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Brandi Peacher has 15+ years of experience in urban and architectural design across a variety of commercial, residential and public projects in Chicago, Dubai and Lexington. She currently serves as the director of project management in the Office of the Mayor with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Brandi is committed to ensuring equity, transparency and collaboration are at the forefront of each project that she manages and is in pursuit of inclusive community growth and vitality.
Additionally, Brandi is an executive committee member of Lexington Habitat for Humanity, a member of the Knight Foundation’s Advisory Committee, a co-host with Blue Grass Community Foundation and project lead in Lexington for Reimagining the Civic Commons.
Brandi moved to Winchester, Kentucky in 2018, immediately responding to the small town charm that reminded her of growing up in south-central Kentucky. She sees her service on GCF’s board as “an opportunity to participate in the neighborhood and engage with others to improve public life” in the Greater Clark area.
Brandi’s board term began in July 2022.
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Mary Yeiser has been a resident of Clark County for more than 50 years. She retired from her legal practice in 2019.
A mother of five and grandmother of 10, Mary has always been an active member of her community, volunteering with multiple organizations, including the Lioness Club, Kiwanis Club, Urban Renewal Board, Stride, Partners in Education, Hospice East, and Better Together Winchester.
Mary is an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where she has served in various leadership positions and has been the Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington since 2013. Mary believes that “positive change begins at the grassroots level with ordinary citizens working together to bridge racial, cultural, and economic divides.”
This belief coupled with retirement and a continued desire to be active in the community, led to her joining The Greater Clark Foundation’s board.
Mary’s board term began in July 2022.
Staff
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Jen Algire is the President and CEO of Greater Clark Foundation (GCF), a place-based organization in central Kentucky dedicated to advancing civic engagement as a critical social determinant of health. Since joining GCF in 2012, Jen has led the Foundation’s efforts to foster trust, belonging, and inclusion within the community. Under her leadership, GCF strategically invests in initiatives that enhance civic and economic vitality, education, and well-being, with a focus on creating sustainable, long-term impacts. A true catalyzer, connector, and convener, Jen’s work emphasizes the power of love as a public good, recognizing its essential connection to effective policy-making and community building.
Prior to her role at GCF, Jen served as Chief of Staff for Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), the nation's leading healthcare alliance, and held leadership positions in private not-for-profit organizations and local government. Her professional interests include improving community governance, increasing civic participation, and promoting transparency to strengthen social capital. Jen’s career reflects her passion for using trust and civic engagement as tools for building healthier, more inclusive communities.
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Brett is a native of Winchester and Clark County. He believes in the power of community involvement and demonstrates his commitment by being an active resident—notably using his good humor as a comedic auctioneer at local nonprofits events. He also has volunteered at and hosted events for local animal welfare organizations.
In 2014, Brett was honored to be named the Clark County volunteer of the year by the Winchester Clark County Chamber of Commerce.
Brett joined GCF because he saw it as an opportunity to be involved in helping Winchester and Clark County to be the best it can be. He wants all people to feel welcomed—whether they are long-time residents or new to the community and feels that his work at GCF helps to create that.
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As a native of Kentucky, Beth has a passion for serving local communities in the Commonwealth, and strives to help create community conditions where all people can achieve their own defined level of success and well-being. Beth cares deeply for the environment and local food systems, and can usually be found at local farmers markets every weekend or enjoying hiking with her family.
Beth became the Great Clark Foundation's first program officer in 2014 and managed its largest investment to-date—the transformation of a former hospital site into a world-class park. Prior to joining GCF, Beth served as the public health services manager at the Clark County Health Department in Winchester and as a research assistant for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program at the University of Kentucky.
Beth has a master’s degree in Dietetics Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation and Management from the University of Kentucky.
Beth was drawn to her work at GCF by the aspirational question What's Your Ambition?! “It asks us to think deeply about the hopes and dreams of ourselves, our families, and our communities.” During her tenure at GCF, Beth has deepened her knowledge and broadened her views on social equity and justice work, and how it relates to building stronger, more cohesive, and inclusive communities.
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Born and raised in Winchester, Kentucky, Hon. John P. Rompf returned to practice law at White, McCann & Stewart, PLLC following his graduation from the Law School at the University of Notre Dame.
Since 2014, John has provided legal counsel and guidance to the staff and trustees of the Greater Clark Foundation. The work of the Foundation is both inspirational and challenging and John has enjoyed providing the Foundation with legal assistance in a variety of matters
John and his wife Erica have three boys, Jack, Charlie and Henry.
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Previously serving as the Social Media Marketing Manager in the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Sarah Caton holds two bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Kentucky. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University.
Caton is an internationally published photographer and has appeared as a guest on several podcasts to speak about business best practices and digital marketing. Influencer marketing and photography partnerships have included major retailers such as HBO, NBC Sports, Xbox, America’s Best Racing, Kroger, Kate Spade, Aerie, and Panera, among other household names. Sarah has led numerous professional development workshops about developing your brand and building a career in digital media.
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A Winchester native, Mary graduated from George Rogers Clark High School before completing her bachelor’s in Accounting at University of Kentucky. She and her husband Joe are raising three children and are actively involved in community ministries through Winchester First Church of God.
Mary serves as the outsourced CFO for GCF and considers it a privilege to contribute to GCF’s efforts to develop a better community for everyone.
