The Marietta Community Foundation announced today that after nearly 12 years of volunteer service, Mr. William H. Thompson, Jr. has stepped down from the Foundation?s Board of Governors and Board of Directors.

?It?s not the normal practice of the Marietta Community Foundation to issue a public statement every time a member of our Board steps down,? says Bret Bicoy, President & CEO of the Foundation, ?But Bill Thompson is special.?

The Marietta Community Foundation was founded in 1974, but sat largely inactive for almost two decades.  In 1991, a group of citizens led by Bob Kirkbride joined together to rejuvenate the Foundation.  Bill Thompson was one of the first people invited to join the newly created Foundation Board in 1992.

?Bill is intelligent, talented, and a true asset to Washington County,? says Bob Kirkbride, who remains a member of the Foundation?s Board.  ?I just knew he?d be good for the Foundation and he surely has been.?

During his nearly 12 years of volunteerism at the Foundation, Mr. Thompson served as the Chairman of the Foundation?s Board from 1997 to 2001.  It was during his tenure as Chairman that the Foundation played the central role in launching Community 2020, leading to the implementation of the USDA school breakfast and lunch programs in the Marietta City Schools.

?Bill loves the Marietta community and has served it well,? says Mr. Kirkbride.  ?I am honored to have volunteered beside him for all these years but most of all, I am proud to call him friend.?

?Bill chaired the committee that convinced me to join the Marietta Community Foundation a year ago,? says Mr. Bicoy.  ?It was an easy decision with people like Bill Thompson involved.  It?s very rare for a volunteer to serve on a non-profit Board for over a decade.  Bill?s commitment to public service is truly remarkable.  He will be sorely missed.?

In his professional life, Mr. Thompson was best known for launching Birdwatcher?s Digest with his wife Elsa.  He also served as the Vice President for Development at Marietta College and is an accomplished musician.

The Foundation expects at least a five year commitment from its Board members and thus is very selective about its choices.  It is expected that a replacement for Mr. Thompson will be announced within the next few weeks.