Each year, Robbin Hill asks her two adult sons, “Where should we give this year?”
It’s a question she’s spent nearly 24 years asking on behalf of a region. Now the Mid-Shore Community Foundations’ first employee has retired from the organization.
Hill joined MSCF in 2001, at a time when the organization had no permanent staff and operated entirely through volunteer leadership. Her interview for the position took place on Sept. 12, 2001, the day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At the time, she said she sensed that something meaningful was underway.
“If this is real, it could be really great,” Hill recalled telling her husband that evening.
Hired alongside MSCF’s first president, Hill was part of the organization’s shift from an all-volunteer board to a staffed philanthropic foundation. Over the course of her tenure, MSCF grew significantly in both scope and scale, increasing its assets by more than $150 million and expanding its services to donors and nonprofits across the Mid-Shore region.
In the early years, MSCF operated without a dedicated office. Hill’s interview was held in the lobby of the Tidewater Inn in Easton. A few years later, the organization received the gift of the Bullitt House, which became its permanent home.
“At the time, we were so poor we weren’t sure whether to sell it or mortgage it,” Hill said. “But it was a game-changer.”
Hill held the title “foundation manager,” a role that encompassed a wide range of responsibilities in the absence of clearly defined job descriptions. Over time, she took on leadership of MSCF’s grants and scholarship programs and helped modernize the organization’s operations.
“We were doing everything manually in the beginning,” she said. “Eventually we moved to an electronic system, and it changed everything.”
Hill led the transition to a fully online scholarship platform, allowing students to apply digitally and match with relevant opportunities based on eligibility, county of residence, academic record, and other criteria.
“We were hesitant to do it, but the kids were so ready,” she said. “They didn’t skip a beat. They applied instantly.”
Hill said she was particularly proud of the growth of the scholarship program during her time at MSCF. Among the major milestones was the expansion of the Roberta Holt Scholarship Fund, which provides more than $1 million annually to students in Caroline County.
“It’s amazing what that does for a rural county,” she said.
Hill was also involved in MSCF’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping design an expedited grant process to distribute emergency relief funds to nonprofits and small businesses. She said that while other organizations were pausing or reorganizing, MSCF focused on moving resources as quickly as possible.
“We were meeting every week, reviewing applications, and getting funds out,” Hill said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
In addition to emergency response, she worked on several long-term community initiatives during her time at the foundation. She helped MSCF incubate new nonprofit organizations, such as Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and supported major regional investments, including a multi-year hospital grant and the expansion of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.
“The founders always wanted MSCF to be in a position to make significant lead gifts for projects that benefit the broader community,” Hill said. “I think they would be proud.”
In retirement, Hill said she looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren and supporting local efforts as a volunteer. She currently serves on the board of the Chesapeake Culinary Center in Caroline County.
“I told myself I wouldn’t join anything for a while,” she said. “But some projects are just worth doing.”
Hill also maintains a personal connection to MSCF through a family fund she created during her tenure. Each year, she invites her two adult sons to recommend where the fund’s grants should go. She said the process gives them an opportunity to think about equity and need across the region.
“If you create a charitable fund and leave your kids as advisors, then you’ve given them a gift — a way to be good people,” she said. “Even if they don’t have the money themselves, they can still give.”
MSCF Board Chair Moorhead Vermilye reflected on Hill’s legacy and influence. “She was involved with the organization from the beginning, and I can say without question, the successes of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation are a direct result of her work,” he said.
Hill’s final months at MSCF included the implementation of a new internal software system — a project she said was essential to help the organization manage its growing number of funds and automate routine tasks.
“I knew it was time,” she said. “Part of stepping aside is letting others take it forward.”
Reflecting on her time at the foundation, Hill said she felt fortunate to have been part of its growth and credited the board, staff, and donors for MSCF’s success.
“It was an honor to do this work,” she said. “And a privilege to be associated with the people who made it happen.”
MSCF recently welcomed three new staff members. Upon hearing about their enthusiasm for their work, Hill said she understood that joy: “It’s a great place to be.”
Mary Windsor joined MSCF in March after a long tenure with the Memorial Hospital Foundation. With decades of nonprofit accounting experience, she brings deep financial expertise and a love for strategy. Mary supports both the finance and investment committees and has played a key role in refining internal workflows and strengthening separation of duties. She said this is a dream role.
Lucretia Greene-Adams came on board in April after 18 years in federal government service, including her last role as a finance analyst at the Department of Homeland Security. Now she manages scholarship disbursements, student communications, and aspects of the online application system. Part of her work is ensuring students receive their awards on time, and she said she enjoys sending out their funds.
Liz LaCorte joined in August with 25 years in nonprofit leadership and a background that includes serving as the first executive director of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation. Most recently, she oversaw advancement at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Now at MSCF, she’s focused on donor and nonprofit relationships. She said she is excited to help strengthen community connections on the Mid-Shore.
