Former CA President Pat Kennedy Named Horizon Board Chair

Padraic M. "Pat" Kennedy, former president of the Columbia Association (CA), has been named chair of the board of The Horizon Foundation, a $72 million philanthropic organization serving Howard County.

Kennedy will be the foundation's second board chair, replacing founding board chair Richard G. McCauley, who has held that seat since 1998. Richard M. Krieg, president and foundation trustee, said, "Dick has been an exemplary board chair for this organization. We're fortunate to have someone of Pat's background, talent and extensive community involvement following him."

"Dick has had extraordinary impact on the Foundation, from its inception until now," Kennedy said, adding, "The entire board is happy that Dick has agreed to continue serving as an active Trustee." The Horizon Foundation addresses health and wellness issues through strategic grant-making, community initiatives, and partnerships with private and public institutions.

Kennedy spent 27 years as the Columbia Association's president and CEO before retiring in 1999. Early in his early career, he was one of the first 10 members of the staff that founded the Peace Corps and served as its director of volunteer support. In 1964, he left the Peace Corps and helped organize VISTA, serving as deputy director. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson selected him to serve as the organization's national director.

He has long played a key role in numerous nonprofit organizations in Howard County. In 1998, Kennedy was presented the James W. Rouse Award for extraordinary service to the community. He and his wife, Ellen, reside in the Village of Wilde Lake in Columbia.