# Hillcroft Services Promotes 22-Year Employee Jessica Hammett to President and CEO

> Hillcroft Services named Jessica Hammett, a 22-year employee and chief operations officer, as president and CEO effective January 1.

- Published: 2026-11-13T10:29:54+00:00
- Section: Leadership
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-13/hillcroft-services-jessica-hammett-ceo
- Source: [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hillcroft-names-22-employee-jessica-100816941.html)

## Key takeaways

- Jessica Hammett, Hillcroft Services' chief operations officer and a 22-year employee, will become president and CEO on January 1.
- Hammett succeeds Debbie Bennett, who retires December 31 after 33 years of service.
- Hillcroft Services serves 550-600 individuals with disabilities daily with 275 staff members and an annual operating budget of more than $16 million.

Hillcroft Services has named Jessica Hammett, its chief operations officer and a 22-year employee, as its next president and chief executive officer, effective January 1. Hammett will succeed Debbie Bennett, who retires December 31. The Muncie organization announced the appointment in a community announcement, [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hillcroft-names-22-employee-jessica-100816941.html) reported on November 13.

## Hammett's Path From Direct Support to CEO

Hammett began her career at [Hillcroft Services](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000lwqh/hillcroft-services) as a direct support professional working with individuals with disabilities. She later moved into supervision, where she handled staff development, service delivery and daily operations.

Hammett also served as Hillcroft's corporate compliance officer, helping develop its corporate compliance and quality assurance programs. That work included establishing systems to monitor and improve service quality. As chief operations officer, she oversees Hillcroft's daily operations and draws on her experience in direct support, supervision and compliance.

"Jessica's 22-year journey with Hillcroft is a testament to her dedication, leadership and commitment to our mission," said Brian Osner, chair of the board of directors. "We are confident in her ability to build upon Hillcroft's strong foundation and lead the organization into its next chapter."

As president and CEO, Hammett will focus on workforce development, community partnerships and keeping Hillcroft's programs and services responsive to the people and families the organization serves. "I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as president and chief executive officer of Hillcroft Services," Hammett said. "Having spent many years growing alongside this organization, Hillcroft is incredibly meaningful to me."

## Hillcroft's Scale and Leadership Transition

According to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), Bennett announced her retirement effective December 31, 2026, after 33 years of service, triggering a formal CEO search committee process led by Vice Chair Qiana Clemens. The same records list Hillcroft's annual operating budget at more than $16 million, as referenced in its CEO position posting, and its staff at 275 people providing services.

Hillcroft serves 550-600 individuals with disabilities daily, according to the same records. The nonprofit was founded in 1953 and is based in Muncie, Indiana.

## Hammett's Start Date and Bennett's Retirement

Hammett begins the president and CEO role on January 1, the day after Bennett's December 31 retirement. Hillcroft's announcement did not state other dated steps for the transition.

## Companies in this story

- [Hillcroft Services company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000lwqh/hillcroft-services) · website: https://www.hillcroft.org

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