Giving Back to the Community

Being a good corporate citizen by enhancing the value of the community is one of the main principles of Gibson Companies (GCI). To provide the greatest good to the community, GCI / JW & Kathy Gibson Charitable Foundation (Gibson Charitable Foundation) focuses on its core areas of strength, namely economic development, education and cultural activities.

Economic Development

The Gibson Charitable Foundation is dedicated to improving the economic wellbeing of the Mid-South. In fact, JW developed the Healthcare Providers Focus Group as a way to assist major spending with small businesses. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for the Methodist Healthcare Foundation and the Tennessee Local Workforce Area 13: City of Memphis, Shelby and Fayette Counties, and sits on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Education

A quality education is key to a community’s prosperity. As such The Gibson Charitable Foundation strives to provide and enhance the opportunities for learning in the Mid-South. In 2013, The Gibson Charitable Foundation established an annual scholarship for diversity enhancement at the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law. In addition, JW serves on the board of directors for Leadership Memphis and Christian Brothers University. He is a Porter-Leath Home Trustee and was the Education Advisor to the Governor-Elect Bill Haslam in 2010.

Cultural Activities

With the goal of strengthening the Mid-South community, The Gibson Charitable Foundation helps broaden the community’s cultural awareness and expand their horizons. Toward this end, JW serves on the board of directors for the Orpheum Theatre, the Germantown Performing Arts Center, and the New Ballet Ensemble. JW also served as president for Memphis in May. Currently, JW is involved in the development of Hattiloo Theatre in Overton Square.