After eight years as Indiana’s lieutenant governor, Suzanne Crouch wanted to continue to make a difference in people’s lives. She says that’s why she accepted the role of system executive director of the Deaconess Foundation.
“I always say we can’t change the world, but we can change the world for the people whose lives we touch,” the Evansville native says. “And that’s what Deaconess does every single day.”
The foundation is the fundraising arm of Evansville-based Deaconess Health System. Crouch will lead fundraising strategies, oversee capital campaigns, cultivate individual gifts, and guide the foundation’s events.
Crouch’s new role allows her to remain an Evansville resident, which she says was important to her. She also cited the opportunity to support health care, a topic she holds dear. While a state representative, she was vice chair of the Public Health Committee, and as lieutenant governor, she founded and co-chaired the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable.
“Physical health is affected by mental health, and mental health is affected by physical health,” Crouch says. “Looking at how we can blend the two better and provide mental health support to those that are struggling physically is a priority that we should have. And that’s what I’ll be focused on, along with raising money.”
Linda White, chief administrative officer of Deaconess Henderson and overseer of the foundation, said in a March 4 press release that Crouch “understands the importance of community-driven philanthropy. Her dedication to making a difference, paired with her strategic vision, will help take the Deaconess Foundation to new heights.”
