Lakeland Health Foundations get new leadership

David Burghart, of St. Joseph, has stepped into the position of president and director of development for Lakeland Health Foundations.

Burghart had been appointed executive director in 2009 as part of a succession plan in anticipation of the retirement of William E. Johnson, of St. Joseph.

Johnson has now retired from his position on the board. He served for more than 30 years on the Lakeland Board of Directors, including 15 as board chairman.

Burghart has been in management positions in foundation operations, fundraising and professional development. He has served as foundation president at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Los Angeles and as director of development for Andrews University.

Burghart graduated from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., with a degree in music education, and later earned a Masters degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Burghart is active in the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.    
        
Over the years, more than $35 million has been raised by the Lakeland Health Foundations to help fund new and updated facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, and sponsor a wide array of community benefit and outreach programs. The Lakeland Health Foundations receive gifts from individuals, businesses, institutions and other foundations. In addition, Lakeland provides educational scholarships to hospital employees every year.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Erin Gerard, Lakeland HealthCare