Angela E. White, CFRE, has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Eskenazi Health Foundation. She succeeds Ernest Vargo II, CFRE, who retired after serving as president and CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation for 15 years.
“Eskenazi Health isn’t just there for its patients – it provides support for the entire community through its mission to advocate, care, teach and serve, with a special focus on the vulnerable populations in Marion County,” White said. “What a powerful mission to join. I am honored to join with the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff as we partner with our donors to build vital, healthy communities across Central Indiana.”
Prior to joining Eskenazi Health Foundation in August 2024 as executive vice president, White served as senior consultant and CEO of Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA), a consulting firm specializing in philanthropy and strategy for clients across the United States. Before joining JGA, White served in leadership roles at the University of Indianapolis and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. In addition, White has been a longtime faculty member at The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
“Eskenazi Health Foundation has provided unwavering support for Eskenazi Health and the Indianapolis community since 1985,” said Deborah Daniels, chair of Eskenazi Health Foundation Board of Directors. “Angela believes in our work, has a heart for the people we serve, and is supremely qualified to lead the Foundation. We welcome her inspired leadership as we continue to support Eskenazi Health and its focus on improving the health of our community.”
Eskenazi Health Foundation was vital in raising more than $87 million for the construction of a public hospital campus, which included support from more than 3,500 contributors, including a monumental $40 million gift from Sidney and Lois Eskenazi, for whom the health system was renamed. The Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health downtown campus opened in December 2013. Since the build of the new hospital, Eskenazi Health Foundation has raised philanthropic funds to support innovation in brain health, improve life expectancy for all residents of Central Indiana, remove barriers to physical and mental health, and sustain key programs of Eskenazi Health.
“We know how many aspects of everyday life affect’s one personal health,” said Lisa Harris, M.D., chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health. “With the unwavering support of Eskenazi Health Foundation, we can continue our work far beyond our walls and embed ourselves in our communities and neighborhoods, meeting individuals where they are and working together to achieve positive health outcomes for all. We couldn’t be more pleased that Angela has come on board and will be alongside us every step of the way.”
Eskenazi Health Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) in 1985. The Foundation contributes leadership, guidance and philanthropic resources to Eskenazi Health and Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC). Charged with helping Eskenazi Health and HHC reach their full potential, the Eskenazi Health Foundation funds key health care initiatives and programs through its philanthropic support; educates the community about the impact of philanthropy on the life-changing work of Eskenazi Health and HHC; provides meaningful opportunities for donor engagement; and grows the strategic impact of the Foundation Board. To learn more about the Eskenazi Health Foundation, please visit www.EskenaziHealthFoundation.org.