Hiawatha World
Hiawatha, KS – Hiawatha Community Foundation (HCF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Deborah Geiger as our first full-time Executive Director. This full-time executive director position has been made possible through the Patterson Family Foundation Capacity Building Program established for rural communities and marks the ability for HCF to better serve the community and its nonprofit organizations. Deborah will officially begin her role as Executive Director of HCF on April 1, 2025.
HCF is one of 20 affiliates of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) and Deborah will be a member of the GMCF development team while focusing on the growth
and success of HCF. HCF has previously been led by a volunteer board and will now have a dedicated executive director to not only enhance the impact on the community but also to strengthen community partnerships and support local initiatives. Along with working with the local board, Deborah will also collaborate with GMCF.
“HCF Board is excited to have Deborah on board to devote more time to the Foundation and to help the Fund Holders. Also, to help bring on new donors to the Foundation,” said HCF Board President Virginia Freese.
Deborah Geiger’s work in nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship demonstrates her deep commitment to rural development and community engagement. She has led initiatives to improve accessibility and build stronger connections in Atchison and the surrounding region. Living on an organic farm in Robinson with her husband and three children, she brings a hands-on approach to sustainability and collaboration. Her experience and passion for community-driving impact will be a valuable asset to the Hiawatha Community Foundation.
“I am so excited to come back to the area. I feel like it is a perfect fit. I am excited to get on board,” said Deborah Geiger.
HCF was founded in 2020 by a group of volunteer community members. We are proud of the impact this organization has had on our community and are excited to see it grow under our first full-time director. This new role represents a commitment to strengthening Hiawatha’s future, ensuring that HCF can provide greater support to local organizations and initiatives.
For more information on this appointment or the Hiawatha Community Foundation’s
initiatives, please contact Virginia Freese at 785-740-4423 or email info@hiawathacf.org.
For more information about Hiawatha Community Foundation, contact Virginia Freese, HCF Board President at 785-740-4423 or email at info@hiawathacf.org
