Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte CEO to retire

Fruth was the inaugural CEO of the foundation that “empowers LaPorte County residents to live healthy and well.” She’s run it for seven years.

Fruth recently let the board know she intends to retire once it puts a successor in place.

“Maria has demonstrated a passionate and enduring dedication to the health and well-being of our entire community. As our board of directors embarks on the search for a successor CEO, it brings focused reflection to the enormous impact HFL has made through Maria’s leadership and we are immensely grateful for her service,” Chairman of the Board Scott Siefker said.

Fruth has lived in LaPorte since 1976 and worked at LaPorte Hospital for 20 years. She was picked to run the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte when it was established with proceeds from the hospital’s sale.

She worked with the board, staff and partners in the community to build the foundation and support nonprofits with grants. It’s pursued projects like the HFL Conference & Learning Center, Partners for Healthier Babies, Partners in Prevention, When Seconds Count, implementation of the Nonprofit Leadership Academy and the creation of the City of LaPorte Housing Initiative.

The foundation has invested $38 million in LaPorte nonprofits over the last seven years with the goal of making LaPorte County one of the 10 healthiest by 2030.

The board formed a CEO search committee to find a replacement. It hired BoardWalk Consulting, which has recruited CEOs for 50 foundations with assets ranging from $50 million to $2 billion.

“The selection of the next CEO in addition to managing the transition of leadership is the most critical function the board will undertake this year especially as we look to build and advance the organization’s mission and strategic objectives,” said Stephanie Oberlie, a foundation board member and president of Harbour Trust Co.