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The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri has announced the appointment of James Fisher as its next president and CEO, effective May 19, 2026, following a national search led by The Moran Company.

Fisher was selected at a significant moment for the organization. Founding President and CEO Mary R. Hinde, who has led the foundation for 16 years, will remain in the role through mid-May to help ensure a smooth transition for donors, partners, and the communities the foundation serves.

Under Hinde’s leadership, The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri grew from its early days into a regional institution that now administers more than 210 charitable funds and manages assets of more than $41 million. Her tenure has been marked by innovation, community trust, and a commitment to the people of northwest Missouri.

“Mary’s 16 years of dedicated leadership have built something truly remarkable,” said Board Chair Rachel Kagay.

“The foundation is strong, the staff is exceptional, and the community’s trust in this organization is deep. All of these truths are testaments to Mary’s vision and character. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to this mission, and we are committed to honoring that legacy as we welcome our next president and CEO,” said Kagay.

Hinde said the organization is well-positioned for new leadership.

“During my tenure with The Community Foundation, I have worked closely with the board and staff to grow our assets, increasing the quality of life in our region,” said Hinde.

“We have created an organization serving 18 counties through programming and fund administration. It is a perfect time in our growth to hand off the organization to new leadership and continued expansion. I am excited to welcome James Fisher as our next president and CEO,” said Hinde.

Fisher brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a personal connection to the region. A native of Agency, Missouri, he returns to northwest Missouri after a career focused on development, organizational growth, and community investment.

Most recently, Fisher served as the inaugural executive director of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, where he secured a $5 million gift for a capital project and increased the organization’s annual signature fundraiser from about $80,000 to more than $350,000. He previously served as chief development officer for Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region, where he led development efforts for a $5 million organization with major corporate partners including ExxonMobil and AT&T.

“Growing up on a small farm in northwest Missouri, I learned early the value of hard work, faith, family, and community,” said Fisher.

“The opportunity to return home and serve the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri as president and CEO is both professionally exciting and personally meaningful. The work of the Community Foundation is vital, and I am excited to build upon the strong foundation Mary and this team have created,” said Fisher.

Fisher holds a bachelor of science in agriculture with dual emphases in animal science and agricultural economics from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

The board conducted the search with assistance from The Moran Company, a Kansas City-based firm specializing in nonprofit executive recruitment. According to the release, the firm has conducted more than 300 searches and is known for its mission-driven approach.

For media inquiries, contact Rachel Kagay, chairwoman of The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, at rachel@rachelkagay.com

. More information is available at cfnwmo.org.

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving the quality of life in northwest Missouri by promoting and facilitating charitable giving. The organization serves more than 210 funds, manages assets exceeding $41 million, and provides services that help donors support causes they care about now and in the future.