Wabash General Hospital has hired its first full-time executive director for the hospital foundation.
During Monday evening's Board of Directors meeting, President and CEO Karissa Turner announced that Sydney Raber joined the hospital on July 1 as the Foundation's full-time executive director.
Turner said the position marks an important milestone for the Foundation, which had previously been managed by staff members on a part-time basis. She credited former volunteers and employees, including Al Henagar, Jay Purvis, and most recently Danielle Stevens, for helping grow the Foundation over the years.
Turner emphasized that Stevens is not leaving the hospital. Instead, she will continue focusing on her responsibilities in marketing and business development after helping expand the Foundation's fundraising efforts.
Turner said one of the hospital's strategic goals was to grow the Foundation to the point where it could support a full-time executive director. She said that goal has now been achieved, with the Foundation providing funding for the position.
Turner called the addition of Raber one of the most exciting developments in the hospital's strategic plan, saying the new leadership will help support the Foundation Board and continue building on its fundraising and community outreach efforts.
The board Monday approved the appointment of Sandra Bryant to the Foundation board replacing Kathleen Gardner who resigned.