Cindy Huff of McCook, Nebraska is a retired school superintendent after 32 years of service to public schools in central and southwest Nebraska. Cindy’s career included positions as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. She continues her connection to public education through her affiliation with the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association as an educational consultant, conducting superintendent searches and Board of Education development opportunities.
Cindy earned a B.S, M.S., and Specialist degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Always leading with her heart, Cindy was committed to her students by living her motto: Leadership first, management second. Today she enjoys continued interaction with public schools and the communities where she has worked and still refers to each as home.
In addition to her service on the board of Nebraska Community Foundation, Cindy will continue to serve as volunteer chair of NCF’s affiliated fund, the McCook Community Foundation Fund. With more than $3.7 million in endowed assets, McCook Community Foundation Fund plays a major role in making quality-of-life investments that are attracting young families to southwest Nebraska.
Cindy Huff and her husband, Tom, have six children, eight grandchildren, and four dogs. She says she continues the hunt for that ever-elusive master angler walleye and enjoys exploring the world through the eyes of her grandchildren.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
