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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Wishard Foundation announced Friday that it has named Ernest Vargo II as its president and chief executive officer.
A veteran fund-raiser, Vargo takes the job as the Wishard Foundation embarks on a $50 million capital campaign to build a new Wishard Hospital. Vargo, who is also a consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates, has already been in the role on an interim basis since last June. He will take the full-time post this coming June.
“There is no one more qualified, experienced or knowledgeable than Ernie, and the Wishard Foundation is deeply honored and extremely privileged to bring him on as our president and CEO,” Matthew Gutwein, president and CEO of Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, which operates Wishard, said in a prepared statement. “This is perhaps the most critical juncture in Wishard’s 150-year history. We are engaged in a pivotal capital campaign for The New Wishard, and we are confident Ernie’s extensive experience will lead to groundbreaking philanthropic success for the Foundation.”
Vargo previously served as the director of development for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. There he led a $50 million campaign, which landed a $10 million gift, the largest by a single donor in the ISO’s history.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to take on this leadership role for the Wishard Foundation,” Vargo said in a prepared statement. "I am impassioned by Wishard’s role in Indianapolis. Wishard provides critical care for our community’s most seriously injured burn and trauma victims. It is the backbone of Indiana’s system for educating the next generation of advanced care providers. Perhaps most importantly, Wishard provides excellent quality care to our community’s most vulnerable. Wishard’s role is unparalleled, as is the opportunity to support The New Wishard.”
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