As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to bid farewell to longtime Senior Program Officer Rich Spisak, we wanted to share a more personal look at his time with the foundation. Rich has been a steady presence at BBF for 17 years—known for his straightforward style, deep commitment to nonprofit partners, and his good humor. In the Q&A below, Rich reflects on the experiences, relationships, and moments that shaped his work and his perspective.

Ball Brothers Foundation is marking the retirement of Senior Program Officer Rich Spisak, who will conclude 18 years of service with the foundation at the end of the year. Rich joined Ball Brothers Foundation in 2008 and has been a central figure in the foundation’s growth—helping strengthen its grantmaking approach, deepen relationships with nonprofit partners, and advance major community initiatives throughout Muncie and East Central Indiana. 

Nearly 40 community leaders—including early childhood professionals, K–12 school administrators and teachers, nonprofit leaders, university representatives, and funders—joined Ball Brothers Foundation last month for a day-long Outdoor Learning Field Trip exploring innovative outdoor play and learning spaces across Delaware County.

Ball Brothers Foundation recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Fellows Program, bringing together nearly half of the program’s alumni for a special evening of reflection, connection, and recognition at the Delaware County Country Club.  

The Fellows Program, launched in 2004, was created to provide two East Central Indiana nonprofit leaders each year with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the foundation world.