Lisa Adkins
After more than a decade, it’s still a dream come true for Lisa Adkins to serve as president + CEO of Blue Grass Community Foundation, where she started on October 1, 2009. Lisa believes it’s a privilege to help build more generous, vibrant and equitable communities across Kentucky, while having a blast helping individuals, families and businesses give away their money to do the most good. During Lisa’s tenure, the Community Foundation’s assets have grown from $30 million to more than $190 million. But, she’ll be the first to tell you that BGCF measures its success by the charitable dollars invested back into the community, which now totals more than $130 million.
Lisa’s held many titles in the course of her life including student body president, Glamour magazine Top Ten College Woman, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and graduate of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, but titles alone don’t define her. She is a collaborator, convenor and leader who uses her expertise and passion to customize solutions for BGCF’s generous donors, whether it’s understanding unique ways to maximize Endow Kentucky tax credits or helping a family shape its charitable legacy for generations to come.
Lisa embraces her role as an instigator for good at BGCF, where she enjoys dreaming and scheming with others to achieve great things for our community. She quarterbacks a team of incredibly talented professionals and a dedicated board of directors, who are equally passionate about doing good. Lisa knows the value of the Community Foundation first-hand, as she and her family have both a donor advised charitable fund and a charitable legacy plan at BGCF.
Lisa serves as chair of Philanthropy Southeast’s Community Foundations Committee and has served on the transition team for two Lexington Mayors – Mayor Jim Gray and Mayor Linda Gorton.
Lisa is a strong believer that oatmeal cookies should never have raisins, but birthday cake should always be served with ice cream.
Education
- B.A. with Honors and Distinction, University of Kansas, 1984
- J.D., University of Kansas, 1987