New Regional Franciscan Alliance Foundation Director Brings Wealth of Experiences to the Table

Franciscan-Tony-EnglertTony Englert, new regional executive director of the Franciscan Alliance Foundation, knows a thing or two about fund-raising and dealing with people.

Prior to assuming his new role in May, he had worked, since 2002, in fund-raising positions for the University of Chicago and Loyola University Health System.

The 50-year-old Highland resident, a Chicago native, believes his Franciscan Alliance job is his best yet.

There is a very strong mission here that is lived daily, and the expectation is high that every employee maintain that. I am attracted to that ... The outreach to the community is so strong. In every community we are in, we make a difference. The Sisters (of St. Francis) truly walk the walk, showing more care and concern than at any place I’ve ever worked,” Englert said.

Gene Diamond, CEO of the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region, believes Englert is the right person for the position.

Tony comes to us with a great deal of experience and an exemplary record. He’s off to a quick start, reaching out to donors and foundations, contacting people in the community and making ambitious plans. He’s going to take our development program to the next level.

Englert also has received orientation guidance from Tim Ross, regional administrative director of the award-winning Franciscan Alliance WorkingWell occupational health care group; and Joe Allegretti, chairman of the Franciscan Alliance Regional Board of Directors.

Allegretti chaired the recent two-year Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point Capital Campaign, which resulted in the building of a new St. Clare Health Clinic (which serves unprivileged residents of six counties), and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.

As the provisions of health care reform affect hospitals’ operating revenues, the importance of raising funds will increase, Englert said, adding, “More than ever, not-for-profit organizations like ours will rely on philanthropic efforts to keep their mission alive -- there is no extra money lying around. We will be working to devise the best ways to raise money.

That is where Englert’s people skills can come in handy .

We want to gain trust, let people know we will be good stewards of their money. People give to people; they want to know and trust to whom they’re giving their money. There has been great community support here over the years, I want to continue that and be an ambassador,” Englert said.

He added one of the challenges of his new job will be brushing up on his golfing skills, since getting out on the course and meeting people can be key to earning that trust.

I just bought a new set of clubs for a Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable outing and I need to practice. I’ve been golfing for years, poorly, and need to get better,” he said, with a laugh.