WinnMed is pleased to welcome Ben Krouse-Gagne as the new Director of Foundation.
Ben brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and community engagement, having spent over a decade building strong donor relationships and leading successful fundraising initiatives. Most recently, he served as Senior Development Officer at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) Alumni & Friends Foundation, where played a key role in generating significant philanthropic support by managing the Planned Giving program, serving as the liaison to the College of Science & Health, and leading multiple strategic fundraising initiatives.
Nearer to home, Ben served as the Director of Community Engagement at Helping Services for Youth & Families, where he partnered with individuals, businesses and organizations to provide local support for those in need. He and his wife, Christina, an Occupational Therapist at WinnMed, live in Decorah with their two young children.
“I’m thrilled to join the WinnMed Foundation at a moment of real momentum, with the chance to help turn that energy into transformative healthcare for our region,” says Krouse-Gagne. “Strengthening community health and expanding access to exceptional care are deeply important to me, and I’m eager to work alongside the WinnMed Foundation Board to build relationships, elevate our mission, and mobilize the support that will shape the future of care here.”
The WinnMed Foundation, a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization, partners with donors who value community service by providing impactful ways to support local healthcare. The Director of Foundation leads their philanthropic strategy alongside the Foundation Board and in coordination with the WinnMed leadership team. Recent Foundation initiatives include the Transforming Tomorrow expansion naming opportunities for WinnMed’s new Clinic and Obstetric spaces. This momentum also extends to strengthening surgical services and building permanent endowments that will support WinnMed’s mission in perpetuity, ensuring exceptional care for generations across the region.
Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer, says, “The WinnMed Foundation has done excellent work to support our organization over the years and with the recent success of our naming opportunities for Transforming Tomorrow, there is great momentum moving forward. Ben was clearly the right candidate with his background to help take our foundation to the next level and match potential donors with areas they are passionate about.”
The WinnMed Foundation Board is comprised of community leaders who volunteer their time, knowledge, compassion and resources toward serving the healthcare needs of WinnMed patients. Current board members: Kerbie Dahlen, President; Mike Huinker, Vice President; Jennifer Harman, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Burns, Rick Burras, Richard Gaard, Karla Hageman, John Heying, Erick Kephart, Kelly Sorenson, Eric Svestka, M.D., Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer (Ex Officio); and Ben Krouse-Gagne, WinnMed Foundation Director.
To reach the WinnMed Foundation, call 563-387-3129 or email [email protected].
