Dr. Kimberly Thornbury will join the Trust as Senior Program Director for Enrichment following Terry Stokesbary’s retirement at end of 2019
The greatest asset the Murdock Trust has is the people who comprise our staff. We are fortunate to work with a dedicated, creative team that work tirelessly to help serve and support the myriad nonprofits that seek to uplift communities across the Pacific Northwest. It is always a joyous moment when a new face joins our ranks to continue the mission set forth by Jack Murdock as we welcome new energy, new creativity and new passion to our offices. But it is also bittersweet because it often means one of our devoted colleagues has decided it is time to tackle a new challenge. We are grateful for their service and excited for their new adventure, but we will also greatly miss their contributions to our daily work.
As the summer begins to shift to fall, we too are looking at a moment of transition within our organization as Terry Stokesbary, Senior Program Director for Enrichment, has announced that he will step down from his post at the end of 2019. A member of the Murdock team for more than 22 years, Terry has personally guided the Trust’s enrichment programs over the last decade, providing counsel, guidance, community and support to countless nonprofits and nonprofit professionals across our region.
“Aside from my role as a husband and father, I can honestly say that my work with the Murdock Trust has been the most fulfilling role I’ve held in my entire life,” said Terry Stokesbary. “Every day, I am inspired and motivated to get to my office and do this work because of the incredible nonprofit organizations we support and partner with. I am excited to find new ways to continue working with these important organizations in a new capacity and to serve and support the Pacific Northwest communities.”
“Words can’t express our gratitude and appreciation for Terry’s service to the entire nonprofit community over his tenure with the Trust,” said Steve Moore, executive director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. “Through his work as a program director, partnering with hundreds of nonprofits as they proceeded through our grant process, and his leadership of our enrichment programming, Terry has truly embodied the spirit and legacy of Jack Murdock. He has set an example of what it means to serve and strengthen our communities and we are beyond grateful for his work.”
Though we are sad to see Terry move onto the next chapter of his journey, this news also carries a bright silver lining. After an exhaustive national search, the Trust is overjoyed to share that Dr. Kimberly Thornbury has accepted the position of Senior Program Director for Enrichment and will join the Murdock family this fall.
With nearly 25 years of service in higher education, Dr. Thornbury also brings a wealth of experience as a nonprofit volunteer, board member and community leader. Through her roles in higher education, she has provided leadership in research, communication, strategic planning, student affairs and enrollment management for three different institutions.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Murdock Trust,” said Kimberly Thornbury. “I have dedicated my professional career to finding unique and innovative ways to help serve and uplift members of my community. I am so pleased that I will be able to continue the work of helping individuals and communities in the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive.”
“Kimberly brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to our work and to this position in particular, building on her decades of experience in higher education and volunteer service,” said Moore. “Her exemplary leadership will be vital as the Murdock Trust enrichment programs continue to grow and evolve to serve the diverse needs of the communities across the Pacific Northwest. We are so pleased she has agreed to bring her wisdom, insight and vision to our team.”
Terry will remain in his current role through the end of the year, collaborating with Kimberly over the coming months through her initial on-boarding. Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to Terry for his decades of service and extend a warm welcome to Kimberly as she joins the Murdock Family!
