Henry “Hank” Libby, Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of Carol Thompson, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) Founder, and its first Executive Director. It is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to advancing philanthropy by demonstrating long-standing leadership, creativity in responding to societal problems, and making a significant, positive impact on philanthropy in Anne Arundel County.

“As a philanthropist, Hank brings a detective-like mind and tremendous heart to the organizations he supports. He carefully connects the capacity of an organization with data to support their needs in order to determine how his giving can do the most good.”
—Anne Arundel Community College Foundation Executive Director Vollie Melson

To say Henry N. “Hank” Libby has had an impact on almost every corner of Anne Arundel County over his years as a philanthropist, board member, and passionate volunteer, could be an understatement. Hank’s work throughout the county has not only changed lives for the better, but also inspired others to follow suit.

“While many donors give generously and have a significant impact, Hank goes above and beyond, channeling his giving in ways that encourage others to join him,” writes Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Foundation Executive Director Vollie Melson.

As President of the Carol M. Jacobsohn Foundation, Hank has advanced philanthropy in our community through long-standing leadership, research, involvement, and heart. After establishing three endowed scholarships at AACC, with a focus on supporting underserved segments of the community, Hank remains involved, studying annual data on scholarships to ensure the programs are meeting his expectations for outcomes. If they are not, he will recommend adjustments so that his gifts have the most positive impact upon students and community. “As a philanthropist, Hank brings a detective-like mind and tremendous heart to the organizations he supports. He carefully connects the capacity of an organization with data to support their needs in order to determine how his giving can do the most good’” said Melson.

As the former AACC Foundation Board President, Hank was instrumental in transforming the foundation from a largely event-based organization, funding student scholarships, to a major gift organization that strategically expands the reach of AACC to educate thousands of additional county residents. Hank brought together stakeholders from the community, the College Board of Trustees, and the AACC Foundation Board, forming the first comprehensive fundraising campaign in AACC’s history. The cornerstone of the campaign, the Clauson Center for Innovation and Skilled Trades, is a particular passion for Hank, and through his leadership, commitment, and support, the campaign raised more than $8.3 million, including $3.4 million for the Clauson Center.

“An entrepreneurial, philanthropic leader, Hank finds ways to leverage his giving, often through challenge grants, so that his gifts are catalysts for many other significant contributions. He works closely with the charities he supports to make data-driven decisions so his gifts can have the highest positive impact,” said Dr. Dawn S. Lindsay, Anne Arundel Community College President and Cullen Murray, current AACC Foundation President.  

Hank has brought these same skills and focus to dozens of county nonprofits including the Anne Arundel Medical Center, helping to fund the organization’s first community clinics, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BGCAA), helping with the organization’s capital campaign to open the Wiley H. Bates Clubhouse in Annapolis.

Watch the full video below.