Megan Hawkins Joins Community Foundation Team
The Martin County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Megan Hawkins as its new, full-time Development Director. In this role, Megan will focus on building relationships, supporting community initiatives, connecting donors with opportunities to make a lasting impact, and advancing the Foundation's mission throughout Martin County.
A lifelong Martin County resident, Megan brings a strong background in education, leadership, and community service. She graduated from Shoals High School in 2016 with an Academic Honors Diploma and was the recipient of the 2016 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. While in high school, she was active in Student Council and Senior Beta Club, a three-sport athlete, and volunteered through her church, the Shoals Senior Citizens Center, and other community service projects.
Megan was also a dedicated 10-year Martin County 4-H member, exhibiting livestock, competing in judging contests, serving as a 4-H camp counselor, and exhibiting projects at the Indiana State Fair. She was crowned the 2018 Martin County 4-H Fair Queen.
In addition, she was selected as a 2016 Martin County Indiana State Bicentennial Torch Bearer, representing the community during Indiana's Bicentennial celebration.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Minor and STEM Certificate from the University of Evansville. During college, Megan served in numerous leadership roles, including establishing a Lilly Scholar Network Chapter, serving as Chair of the University of Evansville Leadership Academy, and representing the university as an Admissions Ambassador and Student Alumni Ambassador. Her achievements earned her several honors, including the Outstanding Elementary Future Educator Award, the University of Evansville Outstanding Senior Service Award, and the University of Evansville Advisory Council Member of the Year Award.
Megan began her career at Shoals Community Schools, teaching at both the elementary and high school levels. She taught 2nd grade, 3rd, grade, engineering, preparing for college and careers, and served as the Early College Director. Throughout her educational career, she championed college and career readiness initiatives, expanded opportunities for students, and helped lead programs such as College and Career Fair, College Visit Day, and Senior Decision Day. Her leadership contributed to Shoals High School earning Early College Endorsed status through CELL and recognition as an American College Application Campaign School of Excellence. In 2024, she was honored with the Indiana State Teachers Association Community Service Award.
Beyond her professional career, Megan remains actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Martin County Ag Day Committee, Martin County Junior Leaders 4-H Club, and Tim Tebow's Night to Shine.
Megan's appointment as Director represents a full-circle moment. As a 2016 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, she first experienced the impact of the Martin County Community Foundation as a student. She later established a Lilly Scholar Network Chapter, served on the Foundation's Grants Committee, and was a member of the Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors from 2022 to 2026. After nearly a decade of involvement with the Foundation, she is honored to continue serving Martin County in her new role as Director and looks forward to helping create opportunities that will benefit the community for generations to come.
Megan's office is located at the Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds Community Learning Center, 2664 US Highway 50, Loogootee, Indiana 47553, where she looks forward to serving community members and collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and residents.