HFL board members were nominated and selected in 2016 by members of the former La Porte Hospital Board and La Porte Hospital Foundation Board. These individuals are members of our community and bring a unique mix of expertise and knowledge. As members of our community, these individuals are passionate about empowering La Porte residents to live healthy and well and committed to the vision of helping La Porte become one of the top 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030.
The HFL Board was designed to bring together a unique mix of expertise and knowledge. Our leadership and staff are guided by these values:
- Excellence: Show exceptional stewardship of our community’s investment by acting with honesty and integrity.
- Innovative and Visionary Thought Leadership: Have the courage to “think big” and discover ways to optimize our health and empower our residents to be well.
- Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with donors, communities, not-for-profit partners and healthcare and wellness providers.
- Commitment: Dedicate ourselves to optimizing resources to create pathways so that those in and around La Porte are empowered to live healthy and well.
- Compassion: Be sensitive to the health and wellness issues and the needs of the communities we serve.
Honorary Life Membership… Honorary Life Membership is bestowed sparingly on those who have unselfishly made noteworthy contributions to La Porte Hospital Foundation. The impact of these individuals will be felt for years to come.
*deceased
Maria Fruth
Maria Fruth is the president and CEO of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, a private, independent foundation created from the proceeds of the sale of IU Health La Porte Hospital in March of 2016 and dedicated to empowering La Porte residents to live healthy and well.
Since her appointment in March of 2016, Maria has led the creation of the new foundation structure, from creating its strategic direction and blending of the former La Porte Hospital Foundation into the Healthcare Foundation, to hiring the foundation team, assessing community needs and community assets to implementing a grant making structure and a plan to grow the capacity of the existing not for profits in the community. The first grants awarded by the $175,000,000 foundation took place in November of 2017 and June of 2018, with $6,000,000 granted for health and wellness efforts in La Porte county.
Following years of teaching, community service and business experience, Maria started her career with La Porte Hospital in 1996 as the Director of Development. In January of 1998, she was named Chief Operating Officer of the La Porte Hospital Foundation and Executive Vice President of La Porte Hospital. During her 20 years at La Porte Hospital, she provided overall coordination for all aspects of The Foundation’s important philanthropic role for the hospital and raised over $17 million for the hospital services, health programs, scholarships and community health in grants, campaigns, special events and major gits. She also served as the administrator of several support service departments of the hospital (2011 to 2016) and Community Health and Dental Center (2011 to 2014).
Maria received her Bachelor of Arts from the University Federal Minas Gerais, in Brazil. In 1999, she received her Certification in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, Fund Raising School. Maria is trained as a green belt Sigma Lean Six and is a graduate of Leadership La Porte County. She is a member of the Council on Foundations, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. She has served on many not for profit boards in the La Porte area.
Maria has resided in La Porte with her husband Greg since 1976, and they have three sons and three grandchildren.
Read Maria’s letter updating the community on HFL’s Strategic Plan here.
Chief Executive Officer, mfruth@hflaporte.org | 219.326.2472
Robert Fryer
Robert began his career with the accounting firm of Earnst & Young and has held various CFO positions in healthcare companies ranging from community mental health, small single specialty physician group and related single specialty surgery center to large multispecialty physician group and related large multispecialty surgery center. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Manchester University and MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Robert holds past memberships with Medical Group Management Association, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and currently is a member of American Institute of CPA’s and Indiana CPA Society. He has served on many not for profit boards in La Porte and surrounding area. Bob resides in La Porte with his wife Jacki, and they have four daughters and two granddaughters.
Chief Financial Officer, bfryer@hflaporte.org | 219.326.2471
Cassy Swanson
Cassy obtained her undergraduate degree in public relations at Ball State University, during which time she participated in a variety of student organizations and spent three consecutive summers interning at the La Porte Hospital Foundation. After graduation, Cassy moved to Indianapolis to join Teach for America, an AmeriCorps funded program where participants commit to teach and effect change in under-resourced urban and rural public schools for two years. She simultaneously pursued and attained a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Marian University in Indianapolis. Cassy welcomed the opportunity to return to Northwest Indiana to work for the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte to support its mission and vision for her hometown. She volunteers her time locally with the La Porte Jaycees and regionally with Sigma Kappa Sorority. She lives in Valparaiso with her fiance Evan and their cat Winifred and dog Auggie.
Administrative Assistant & Media Coordinator, cswanson@hflaporte.org | 219.326.2471
Mary Wellnitz
Mary earned her Master of Business Administration from University of Notre Dame, Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University and Sales Certificate from University of Michigan. She began her career with NIPSCO Industries, holding various positions including Human Resources Manager, Investor Relations Supervisor, and Manager of Sales & Marketing. She also served as the Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for La Porte Regional Health System. Mary is one of three founders of Figment Group, Inc., and serves as its President. She has taught advanced strategic planning, marketing and sales, and has consulted for many not for profit and for profit organizations. She has also actively served on many not for profit boards in the region and currently serves on the Board of the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce and Chairs their Workforce Taskforce, the editorial board of the Northwest Indiana Business Magazine, and the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association. She has been honored with the National Athena® Award and has been inducted in the NW Indiana Society of Innovators. Mary has a step-son who lives in Vermont and she resides in La Porte with her spouse Jim and their adored and well-mannered golden retriever named Cooper Bradley.
Special Projects Manager, mwellnitz@hflaporte.org | 219.326.2471
Jen Kvasnicka
Jen is a 2018 graduate from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership and is continuing her studies for a Master of Health Administration degree. She has spent much of her time at VU working on various community outreach initiatives including a women’s lifestyle event and program structuring for the Problem-Solving Court of La Porte. Jen has experience with several nonprofit organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the co-ed national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. She has served as fraternity President as well as team lead for various on campus positions. She came to HFL through her youth ministry work at Bethany Lutheran Church and is excited for the opportunity to learn from the foundation team. In her free time, Jen enjoys the busyness of downtown Valparaiso and exploring new things to do in the area.
Intern, jkvasnicka@hflaporte.org | 219.326.2471
Leadership
