What can you say, to summarize the life of a man who, quite simply, was always here for us?

And I do mean that literally. Ron Hankey was involved in the Alliance long before it was the Alliance. Even before it was the Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC). Really, since the organization’s inception, when community leaders realized the need for an economic development organization serving the county in the 1980s.

Ron Hankey was our link to the beginning. He had conversations with our very first volunteer director, J. Frank Sapp, as well as our first paid director launching the organization in 1992, Robert Hendricks. That’s because Ron was a board member then, and through the intervening years, until his recent passing.

To the best of my knowledge, Ron’s involvement in Adams County’s economic development spanned at least 37 years. At some point, during that entire timeframe, he served as president of one of our boards, from our initial core organization, ACEDC, to our additional orgs that naturally developed over the years, to meet Adams County’s increasing needs—the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) and the Adams County General Authority (ACGA).

At the time of his passing, at the age of 85, Ron was still serving at a high-level capacity: as Chair of the ACGA, Vice-Chair of the ACIDA, and he was on the Board of Directors for the ACEDC.

The depth of Ron’s knowledge and commitment is rare; a gift to all of us. Even more so, when you consider ours was not the only organization the benefitted from Ron’s steady vision and wisdom. He worked for ACNB Bank for 55 years, and served many other boards, nonprofits, as well as his church for decades.

I asked Jim Williams, our current ACIDA Chair and ACGA Vice Chair (aside Ron in both cases), to share his thoughts on Ron’s legacy.

“Ron was always the one we turned to when we needed leadership or a voice of reason,” Jim said. “No one was more dedicated to the organizations of the Alliance, over the years taking on the role as chairman of all three. Having served with Ron for over 20 years, I valued his opinion and guidance beyond measure. He will be missed.”

Alliance Vice President Kaycee Kemper has a unique perspective on Ron’s guidance and encouragement of the next generation of economic development professionals, which certainly includes her.

“Ron was a super supporter of economic development and one of my biggest personal cheerleaders throughout my career,” Kaycee said. “I began my career in economic development at a young age and was very green in many ways. Ron always made me feel valued, important and part of the team. He had a unique skill set in bringing people together and making things happen. Adams County is a better place because of Ron’s life and legacy. I’m grateful and proud to call him a friend and will miss him and his wisdom immensely.”

In the Alliance’s Quality of Life Report, published in 2023, Ron’s photo and quote is prominently displayed on page 3, seen as soon as you open the front cover. Although he’s talking about Adams County, I think his quote, in a way, also summarizes his life and dedication to this beloved community.

“Some things needed for a good quality of life are health, comfort and happiness, all of which can be found in Adams County. The Alliance has promoted, supported and financed economic development throughout Adams County and that has impacted those important qualities that contribute to a high quality of life standard.”

What a testament to a life well-lived, rich in community involvement, connections, relationships and service. Ron surely impacted Adams County’s quality of life, yesterday, today and into the future. Godspeed, Ron, well done, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Robin Fitzpatrick is President of the Alliance, with a mission of facilitating the future of Adams County through economic opportunities, productive partnerships and community-focused strategies. The Alliance’s vision is to cast the vision and lead the implementation of diverse and responsible economic growth to improve everyone’s quality of life in Adams County. For more information, see adamsalliance.org; contact us at 717-334-0042.

This column originally published in the Gettysburg Times, April 10, 2025