Sharon Gibbs celebrates 25th work anniversary at the Community Foundation

We hope you enjoy this recent interview with Sharon about her time at the Community Foundation. Thank you, Sharon, for 25 years of dedication to the Community Foundation and the Greenville community!

25 years is such an accomplishment! How do you feel when you reflect on 25 years working at the Community Foundation?

It’s been an amazing 25 years at CFG. I have seen the assets grow from just under $35 million to over $100 million. On top of that, the Community Foundation has always been an early investor in a lot of great things that have happened in Greenville over the years – Falls Park, the Salvation Army Kroc Center, Unity Park and Conestee Nature Preserve. To be able to be a part of all that has been wonderful!

How has your role changed over the years?

When I first started we were a staff of 3 people – and two of us were part-time. We had a small office on Cleveland Street which was expanded and then we made the eventual move to East Washington Street. We now have a full-time staff of 7 great people. Being a part of that expansion has increased my role but has also increased the Community Foundation’s presence in the community – which is great!

You’re a member of our Legacy Society, meaning you’ve arranged for a planned gift for the Community Foundation. Why did you decide to join the Legacy Society?

I have a fund that supports animal rescue and rehabilitation. I think what CFG does is very important and I would like to see my fund grow in perpetuity. The best way to make sure our charitable interests can continue after we are gone is to invest in the Community Foundation.

What motivates you to keep working at the Community Foundation?

I am fortunate in that I love what I do! There are so many interesting people we get to interact with and there is always something new to learn.

What are some of your other passions?

I am passionate about crafting and animals. Fortunately, I have found a way to have those intersect. I have a handmade crafts business whereby the proceeds can support animal rescue and rehabilitation. Over the years, we have been able to help many animal organizations in and around Greenville and we hope to expand that list in the near future.

Sharon Gibbs is the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at the Community Foundation of Greenville. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from Queens College in New York and became a licensed CPA in 1989 while working at Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers). Sharon has served on the Board of Directors for the Greenville Humane Society, Dining for Women, and Pet Tender Angels Rescue & Rehabilitation.