Brethren Village Retirement Community and Senior Living

  • News Release
  • Date: September 17, 2009
  • Contact: Jolene Weaver
  • 717-581-4390

Henry H. Gibbel Celebrates 40 Years of Service Upon Retirement from Board of Directors

Village Thanks Retiring Members & Welcomes New!

Henry H. Gibbel, chairman of Brethren Village's Board of Directors, retired from the board on September 17, 2009 after four decades of service, spanning an impressive 40-years.

Gibbel has served in a variety of leadership roles including his most current position as Chairman since 1992. During this time, he provided the vision and support for changing the Village from a small community of less than 200 individuals into a modern, full-service continuing care retirement community for 900 Residents.

Beginning his tenure in 1969 of what was then the 'Brethren Home,' Gibbel's distinctive leadership led to the creation of many building and services currently seen on our campus today including the 'Nursing Center' (1975), Village Manor (1975), Oakwood House (1975), the Chapel (1977), Graybill Nursing Wing & Terrace Apartments (1982), Village Townhouse (1985), Village Center (1989), Village Garden Apartments (1990), Fairview Meadows (2007), Fieldcrest East (1993) & Fieldcrest West (2009), the Welcome Center (2009), The Courtyards (2009) and decades of cottage-series development.

From 93-acres to 153-acres, Gibbel's vision has directly impacted the physical structures of the Village, but more importantly has led the Village to successfully grow our mission to provide Christ-like care to area seniors.

"Henry is an extraordinary individual who is extremely dedicated to the Village, his community, his church, his family and his business. His thoughtfulness, creativity, leadership and vision has transformed our campus over the last 40 years into a state-of the art healthcare provider and retirement destination," commented Gary Clouser, President of Brethren Village. "Unselfish service to improving the lives of other is a hallmark of Henry's upstanding character. The Village is truly blessed to have a leader such as him, and his immeasurable effect of leadership will be felt for decades to come."

During his time at Brethren Village, Gibbel received the 1998 Trustee of the Year Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), which recognized Gibbel for his significant contribution to the well-being of the elderly community.

Gibbel is Chairman and CEO of Lititz Mutual Insurance Company, Penn Charter Mutual Insurance Company, Farmers' & Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Company, and Livingston Mutual Insurance Company. He is a director at the Gibbel Foundation Inc., Mutual Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren, a trustee at Juniata College and is a lifelong member of the Lititz Church of the Brethren. He is also a past director of Susquehanna Bancshares, Susquehanna Bank, and Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company.

Upon GIbbel's retirement, the Board of Directors named Barry Shaw as Chairman. Shaw has been serving as a Director since 1994 and will serve a one-year term as Chairman. Shaw is Chairman of Wenger’s Feed Mill Inc. and resides in Elizabethtown. Gibbel will remain a non-voting member of the board serving a three-year term as Director Emeritus through 2012.

The Village community dully recognizes the outstanding leadership provided by David E. Hosler, upon his September 17, 2009 retirement after 20-years of service on the Board of Directors. First serving in 1989 in a variety of leadership roles, Hosler served on the committees for the 'Centennial Campaign' and the 'Expanded HealthCare Campaign,' both crucial in the expansion development of the Village. Hosler sat on the Development Committee, Directors Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee as Chairman.

"David's insight, business strategies, and direction was an invaluable tool during our decades of transition, redevelopment and change. His commitment and dedication to the mission and vision of Brethren Village will be defined by his everlasting impact on the operations of our community for years to come," stated Clouser.

Hosler is COO for Murray Risk Management and Insurance and was previously President, Chairman and CEO of Old Guard Insurance. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Elizabethown College, and is a director of the United Way of Lancaster County, Lancaster Rotary Club, and the Society of CPCU-Pennsylvania Dutch Chapter. Hosler is a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren.

The Board of Directors also recently welcomed two new members of the Board of Directors at the September 17 Annual Members Meeting, both to serve three year terms. Douglas F. Deihm, of Lancaster, is a partner and CPA with Trout, Ebersole & Groff LLP and a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Alan R. Over, of Lancaster, is Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager for Susquehanna Bank and a member of Mountville Church of the Brethren.

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