Carrying the Legacy of Robert K. Greenleaf: Don M. Frick (1946 – 2026)
The servant leadership community lost a defining voice with the passing of Don M. Frick on March 23, 2026.
A gifted teacher, author, and historian of Robert K. Greenleaf’s work, Don helped preserve and carry forward the true spirit of servant leadership for generations to come.
Some of his best works included Robert K. Greenleaf: A Life of Servant Leadership, the only full-length biography of Greenleaf; The Private Writings of Robert K.Greenleaf; The Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership (with James W. Sipe); and Implementing Servant Leadership.
In 2018, he was honored with the inaugural Ann McGee-Cooper Spirit of Servant Leadership Award, an honor he held with deep pride, and one that reflected both his contributions and the spirit in which he lived his life.
Even before Sophia began as an organization, Don was a close friend and thought leader to Ginny Gilmore, Sophia’s foundress, and teacher and scholar for Christa Williams, Sophia’s Executive Director, throughout her tenure at Sophia.
Those who knew him personally remember not only his achievements, but the way he embodied the very principles he taught—leading with humility, listening with intention, and offering his wisdom freely and graciously to others.
He did more than write about servant leadership; he helped shape how it is understood, preserved, and lived around the world.