The Ascension Illinois Foundation
The Ascension Illinois Foundation raises tens of millions of dollars annually to advance the mission of Ascension Illinois across the greater Chicago area. Our community's generosity supports the work of our healthcare ministry across 5 hospitals, 146 sites of care and numerous programs and services that address our communities’ health needs.
Our Mission
Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.
Our Origin Story
Long before Ascension became our sponsor, faith inspired a number of individuals — Catholic religious sisters and brothers — to use their gifts to serve those most in need in the greater Chicago area. Today, the healthcare ministries they started continue through Ascension Illinois. Here is a closer look at those whose work the Ascension Illinois Foundation carries on today:
Ascension Illinois Foundation Board
Inspired by our religious founders, a dedicated group of Foundation Board members, including community leaders, physicians and Ascension Illinois associates, lead the Ascension Illinois Foundation today. They are passionate about using their gifts to serve those most in need and make a positive impact on the health of our communities.
Rich Augustine
Board Member
Polly Davenport
Board Member
Ted Kanellakes
Board Member
Mark Pucci
Board Member
Janice Vlazny
Board Member
Nick Wienold
Board Member
Ken Bauwens
Board Member
David Dopp
Board Member
Ratna Kunwar
Board Member
Jeff Sebert
Board Member
Shubhrajan Wadyal, MD
Board Member
Suzanne Zaccone
Board Member
Mike Benoit
Board Member
Karen Fitzgerald
Board Member
Diane Latta
Board Member
John Sullivan, DO
Board Member
Matthew P. Walsh II
Board Member
Jim Burke
Board Member
Terry Graber
Co-Chair
Reinhold Llerena, MD
Board Member
James Swarthout
Board Member
George Wienold
Board Member
Jack Chamberlin, MD
Board Member
Jill Hulten
Board Member
Melissa Pontikes
Board Member
Larry G. Swets, Jr.
Co-Chair
Jim Wienold
Board Member
Our Team
Foundation Operations
Foundation Grants
Claire Davis
Grant Writer