In a celebration of community spirit and leadership, Andrea Libengood has been recognized as the 2025 Norfolk Person of the Year. This honor acknowledges individuals who make significant contributions to the community, and Libengood’s selection comes on the heels of numerous nominations praising her exceptional leadership and commitment to enhancing Norfolk’s nonprofit sector.
Libengood expressed her surprise upon receiving the news, stating, “I had no idea that this was coming at all.” Her nomination was bolstered by letters that highlighted her ability to unite people around common goals. Supporters described her as a relentless advocate for nonprofits and a vital link between organizations, donors, and volunteers. In her recommendation letter, Marjorie Maas, CEO of Share Good, noted, “Andrea rolls up her sleeves to get the work done, for sure, but it is her careful and intentional thought for relationships and community involvement that make her stand out.”
Driving Collaborative Efforts in Nonprofits
As chairperson of the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund, which is part of the Nebraska Community Foundation, Libengood has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among various nonprofit organizations. She emphasized the importance of working together to identify and address community needs. “When there’s more of us out talking to the nonprofits and the individuals and learning about the projects happening, we can come together and say, ‘Oh, well, maybe that project didn’t align with your mission, vision, values, but it does in ours,’” Libengood explained.
This collaborative approach led to the creation of Share Norfolk, a centralized online platform designed to connect nonprofits with businesses and individuals eager to contribute their resources. Libengood noted that while the initiative is still in its early stages, its potential for growth excites her. “The Share Norfolk effort is still actually in its infancy, and I’m really excited for its future and its continued growth,” she said.
The idea for Share Norfolk emerged from discussions during quarterly meetings of the Norfolk Family of Funds, where members sought better ways to support one another and their communities. Libengood remarked, “One of the topics that we had took on was it would be great if there was a centralized location for nonprofits and community members and businesses to come together to just say what’s going on in the community.”
Building Meaningful Connections through Events
Another significant initiative Libengood has championed is Pitch Night, an event allowing nonprofits to present their project ideas directly to potential donors and foundations. Describing it as a “shark tank of sorts,” she explained that the event invites several nonprofits to share their needs and aspirations. “Seeing them present in person and showing their passion… that’s probably one of my favorite parts of it,” Libengood shared.
Now preparing for its fourth iteration this spring, Pitch Night has become integral to the outreach efforts of the Norfolk Family of Funds. Libengood pointed out that the event creates valuable opportunities for both nonprofits and donors, facilitating meaningful connections that can lead to impactful collaborations. “How often does a nonprofit get an opportunity to pitch their project to multiple donors at once?” she asked.
Growing up in Battle Creek, Libengood returned to the Norfolk area after serving for 11 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. Her ties to family and her desire to engage in a community she deeply cares about motivated her return. Those who nominated her highlighted her embodiment of Norfolk’s culture of generosity and cooperation. “We are a community of giving, which is so energizing,” Libengood noted.
In her view, the recognition she received is a testament to the collective efforts of many. “I was super surprised and also thinking, ‘Oh, gosh, this isn’t necessarily my award,’” she stated. “This would really go out to the Norfolk Family of Funds and everybody who is a part of that.” Community members echoed this sentiment, emphasizing her role in lifting others and ensuring collective success.
Looking forward, Libengood indicated that the Norfolk Family of Funds aims to expand initiatives like Share Norfolk and continue hosting impactful events like Pitch Night. “Who knows what the next project that group will come up with?” she pondered. Her vision remains clear: to continue fostering community goodwill and collaboration for the betterment of Norfolk.
