Whitney Benefits Foundation announces new Executive Director

The Whitney Benefits Foundation Board of Trustees has announced that Erin Kilbride will serve as the organization’s new Executive Director.  

Kilbride will be leading the foundation into the future while honoring its 95 years of serving and enriching the Sheridan community. 

“We are thrilled to have Erin join the Whitney organization,” Board President Roy Garber said. “Erin’s name is synonymous with visionary leadership, hard work and commitment to building community.” 

Garber also wished to thank Peak Consulting for assisting the Board in navigating a successful selection process. 

Kilbride comes to Whitney after having spent 15 years as the Executive Director of the Tongue River Valley Community Center.  She has previously served on the boards of multiple organizations in Sheridan County including SEEDA, Center for a Vital Community and the Northern Wyoming Community College District, and currently serves on the Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation board.  

According to the Whitney Benefits Foundation, Kilbride holds a Master’s in Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from the University of South Dakota and a bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming. She will start her new position on Jan. 2, taking over for Patrick Henderson, who retired earlier this year after serving as Executive Director for 22 years.

“I am honored to be chosen for this role and have the opportunity to work with an organization that has been such an incredible part of the Sheridan-area community and has touched the lives of so many people,” Kilbride said. “I’m excited for this new chapter and the potential to impact our community through the range of programs and opportunities Whitney provides.”

Whitney Benefits was the first educational foundation in Wyoming, founded in 1927, from the estate of E.A. Whitney. Today, the organization offers interest-free student loans and has granted more than $100 million to Sheridan College over the years. The organization also continues to aid, develop and nurture the Sheridan community through projects such as Whitney Commons and contributions including gifting water to various city parks and the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.