Hillcroft Services Names Jessica Hammett CEO
Longtime chief operations officer Jessica Hammett will succeed Debbie Bennett as president and chief executive officer of the Muncie-based provider.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in People
Hillcroft Services has named Jessica Hammett as its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding Debbie Bennett, who will retire December 31. Hammett currently serves as the organization's chief operations officer and has spent 22 years with Hillcroft Services.
Why it matters
The change places a longtime internal leader at the helm of a Muncie-based organization that serves people with disabilities. Hammett's path from direct support professional to executive suggests continuity in the organization's programs and operations.
Hammett has spent 22 years with Hillcroft Services, beginning as a direct support professional before moving into supervision, corporate compliance and her current role as chief operations officer. The announcement does not disclose financial metrics or operational figures for the organization.
The players
Hillcroft Services
Hillcroft Services is a Muncie, Indiana-based organization that provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Jessica Hammett
Jessica Hammett is Hillcroft Services' chief operations officer who has built a 22-year career at the organization, from direct support professional to executive leadership.
Debbie Bennett
Debbie Bennett has served as president and chief executive officer of Hillcroft Services and is retiring at the end of 2026.
The details
Hillcroft Services named Hammett, its current chief operations officer, as president and CEO. Hammett previously served as corporate compliance officer and helped develop the organization's corporate compliance and quality assurance programs.
Timeline
Hammett began her career at Hillcroft Services approximately 22 years ago as a direct support professional.
Debbie Bennett retires as president and CEO on December 31, 2026.
Hammett begins as president and CEO on January 1, 2027.
Leadership Pipeline
The succession reflects a pattern of nonprofit human-service providers elevating leaders who have risen through direct-care, compliance and operations roles rather than recruiting externally. Hammett's background in compliance and quality assurance aligns with the regulatory demands these organizations face.
Families and individuals who rely on Hillcroft Services will see the same operations leader guiding daily programs, with Hammett focusing on workforce development and community partnerships. Continuity in leadership may help keep services consistent during the transition.
The takeaway
Long-tenured staff moving into top leadership can provide stability for organizations serving vulnerable populations. Watch how the new leader prioritizes workforce development in the coming year.
What happens next
Debbie Bennett retires as president and CEO on December 31, 2026, and Jessica Hammett assumes the role on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Muncie People leadership news and profiles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star Press.
