Dee Gibson

About Dee Gibson

Dee Gibson has dedicated his life to serving others for forty years, twenty of those as Chief Executive Officer at Josiah White’s, a 170-year-old organization and one of Indiana’s oldest and largest nonprofit social services agencies. He has served on numerous boards and committees dedicated to the welfare of children including the 2004 Indiana Commission for Abused and Neglected Children and their Families. Dee finished his remarkable career receiving one of Indiana’s most distinguishing awards, The Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash, recognizing individuals who make significant contributions to their communities, and whose qualities and actions endear them in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers. 

Dee is a graduate of Marion College (now known as Indiana Wesleyan University), in Marion, IN and has a graduate degree from Ball State University, in Muncie, IN. He is a licensed social worker in Indiana as well. In 2019, Dee was commissioned as a Colson Fellow, from the Colson Center for a Christian Worldview. This is a ten-month deep dive into culture and how it relates to a Christian worldview that provides Colson Fellows with clarity, confidence, and courage to effectively engage the world.

Although Dee struggled with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease for several years prior, he was not formally diagnosed until 2019. Since then, he has suffered numerous setbacks. But with the incredible support of his wife and children, he has continued to make “lemonade out of lemons.”   

Dee and Kathy Gibson have been married for fifty years. They have raised three children DeeAnn Hanlon, Andy Gibson, and Denae Green and share four grandchildren together. Today, they reside in Sweetser, Indiana and continue to live a vibrant life dedicated to their families and serving others. They attribute their lives, legacy, and journey through Parkinson’s to their relationship and faith in Jesus Christ.

Dee Gibson: Find Your Roar

Find Your Roar: A Memoir of Life, Health, and Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Find Your Roar invites readers to rediscover their own strength, resilience, and purpose. It’s a story of triumph over adversity, of finding beauty in brokenness, and of embracing life’s challenges with courage and conviction.

Through this inspiring journey, readers will be empowered to find their own roar—to face life’s storms with unwavering determination.

A Personal Note from Dee

Even before this unwanted diagnosis, I dreamed of writing a book. I just never dreamed this would be the content of that book. I thought I’d write about my years as CEO of Josiah White’s and the time spent advocating for at risk youth. I thought I’d write about what it’s like to lead a large organization or how to manage a multi-million-dollar budget. Instead, I’m sharing my personal story about my journey with Parkinson’s Disease and the effects it’s had on me, my family, and my friends.  

I can’t wait to share my story with you in the hopes that you’ll find encouragement, hope, and resources. I found my roar in writing my story and I hope you find your roar too! Sign up to receive email updates for my upcoming book release (April 2024), more of my personal story, and helpful resources.

Dee and Kathy Gibson