“Why are we here? For the patients!”
This has been Moon Seagren’s mantra and philosophy that indelibly marks her two decades raising funds for the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, including the past ten years as Vice President and Chief Development Officer. Moon’s outstanding tenure will end in December at her retirement, it was announced last month.
“Moon is a visionary and leader for McLaren Northern Michigan and the Foundation, passionately fundraising on behalf of our patients and all involved in their care,” said David M. Zechman, President and CEO. “She has been relentless in her pursuit of philanthropic gifts so that patients would benefit from new technology, state-of-the art facilities, and innovative programs.”
Ms. Seagren has exceeded expectations during her time at the philanthropic helm. In the last 10 years, she presided over the disbursement of more than $64 million to the Petoskey Campus, Cheboygan Campus, VitalCare and Hospices, and Boulder Park Terrace. Various campaigns funded urgently-needed equipment, such as the 64-Slice CT, Digital Mammography, Mobile Diagnostic Unit, EKG equipment, Transesophageal Echocardiogram, CARTO ® 3 System, and Heart Bypass Machines. She also vigorously pursued campaign dollars for culture-changing capital projects such as the Heart & Vascular Center, Emergency Department, John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion & Dialysis Center, Boulder Park Terrace, and the future new wing, as well as key clinical programs.
“I am honored to have served our patients, and everyone dedicated to their care, for all these years,” said Ms. Seagren. “It was a labor of love every day I walked through our doors. This is a very special place that has given my life great reason and purpose.”
Ms. Seagren added, ‘While retiring at this time was not an easy decision, it is the right one for me and my family. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I wish to spend quality time with him before the disease progresses. I am both excited and grateful to have an outstanding successor – Patrick Schulte. Patrick is a person of great integrity, with a spectacular track record and keen understanding of philanthropy in the world of health care. McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, donors and our patients, will be in the best of hands.”
As the incoming Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Patrick J. Schulte, CFRE, brings over twenty years of philanthropy experience, fourteen of which were in his philanthropy consulting practice and work for health system foundations in southeastern Michigan. David Zechman shares, “I, along with the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Board of Trustees, have complete confidence in Mr. Schulte and the Foundation team to carry out the ambitious fundraising vision established for McLaren Northern Michigan, including our current Building Project.” In addition to Mr. Schulte’s fundraising and management expertise, he has strong ties to our area as a longtime visitor to a family summer home in Harbor Springs.
“I am delighted to be on board. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such dedicated volunteers and staff to continue growing the culture of philanthropy in support of McLaren Northern Michigan,” said Schulte. “Moon and I have already begun working together to ensure a smooth transition. I look forward to building upon the achievements of the volunteers and staff of the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation and our collective focus on the strategic health and wellness needs of the patients in this community.”
“We are deeply grateful for Moon’s exceptional leadership and contributions to the organization’s success,” said Elise F. Hayes, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation. “I know she loves McLaren Northern Michigan and all of the wonderful people who support it. We are excited to move forward with Patrick and look ahead to great success in the tradition of our Foundation’s work.”
For information about McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, please visit nmh-foundation.org or call (231) 487-3500.