Craig Edsill joined the Indian Creek Foundation Board of Directors shortly after his very first visit. A long-time resident of the area, Craig had driven past Indian Creek many times and was familiar with our community events. Then a friend invited him for a tour to explore the possibility of becoming a Board member, and that is all it took for Craig to decide this is where he wanted to serve.
As the CEO and Chairman of Clemens Family Corporation, Craig stands behind the company’s cultural focus on “anchoring in something you’re passionate about.” When Craig was raising his four daughters, it was important to anchor himself where they were. He spent his time coaching sports and being involved in their organizations and activities. Once they grew older and needed him less, he looked toward the nonprofit world to contribute his knowledge and experience.
Craig’s introduction to Indian Creek Foundation was a tour in our Day Program back in 2013. He quickly recognized how much passion the Direct Support Professionals had for the individuals they serve, and he was immediately drawn to the mission. After serving on the Board for several years, Craig took a hiatus to oversee a corporate initiative, then returned for another term. Now that he is approaching professional retirement, Craig will also retire from his Board tenure. He is looking forward to going back to being anchored in youth organizations, this time with his grandchildren.
A corporate professional, Craig took a unique interest in the people side of ICF. He admires the work ethic and positive culture that the leadership team and employees all strive to promote. They know their job is important because people with disabilities have complex needs, and they come to work with passion and compassion for those they serve. He has supported that aspect of ICF throughout his Board terms by focusing on what it takes to attract, train, and retain high quality team members. He has also applied his background in finance to serve on the finance committee and audit team.
Craig encourages the community to come see more of what Indian Creek Foundation is all about. The campus tours are a great opportunity to see us in action, serving with passion and energy. If someone wants to learn more, a visit to one of our group homes is even more impressive. Here, potential Board members get to see the comfortable and active lifestyle our staff promotes for all of our residents.
The group homes are Craig’s favorite thing about ICF, “They are really nice houses that are kept up to date very well and staffed with great professionals. We’re putting our best foot forward with the people we serve. Expanding this footprint in the community – and doing it well – is truly impressive.” Craig also appreciates how businesses always step up when they hear of a need like a new roof or handicap accessible upgrades at one of our homes. Many businesses and individuals are proud to contribute to needs at ICF, and that’s partly because they know they are helping exceptional people meet tangible needs.
Because Craig has served non-consecutive terms, he actually got to be part of two CEO searches. He recalls both the search for Dean Stoesz and Tim Barksdale as exciting experiences. Navigating COVID-19 was the biggest challenge of his service, and he is proud that the Board and staff all got through it with teamwork and hope. That period of time, just like all of his time on the Board, is one in which he looks back and hopes that he did his part to make it better.
For someone exploring their best fit for a nonprofit Board, Craig notes that ICF is one of the best options available in the region. ICF is a complicated organization with a broad mission and expansive services, which means there is room to apply diverse skills and no shortage of learning opportunities. Board meetings are informative and dynamic, but taking time to get to know the Department Directors is the best investment a new Board member can make. Strong leadership among the staff has put the Board in a great position to be a sounding board while offering strategic advice and compliance oversight. With our financial stability, solid leadership, and active program growth, this is an exciting time to join Indian Creek.