Philanthropic leader Jeri Pat Gabbert has been appointed president and CEO of Unity Foundation of La Porte County, effective Nov. 3.
Gabbert will succeed Maggi Spartz who served Unity Foundation as president for over 33 years. Spartz announced her intended retirement earlier this year.
Gabbert comes to Unity Foundation after working in philanthropy, education and community engagement for over 22 years. She currently serves as Porter County Community Foundation executive vice president and chief philanthropic officer. In her role, Gabbert provides leadership and vision in the implementation of the foundation’s mission, including the planning and execution of daily operations, asset development and marketing and communications.
Gabbert serves as a faculty member at The Fund Raising School, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation in 2009. She serves on multiple boards, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District V, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Indiana and the Association of Christian Fundraisers. Gabbert is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where she is also a charter member of the AFP Northwest Indiana Chapter.
Gabbert previously served as the vice chancellor for university advancement and external affairs at Indiana University Northwest. As the chief development, communications, and marketing officer and strategist, she was responsible for leading, planning, implementing and administrating the fundraising, alumni relations, special events, and communication and marketing programs.
“Jeri Pat’s proven record of leadership, her deep knowledge and skills in philanthropy and her demonstrated commitment to ‘giving back’ make her the ideal candidate to lead us forward,” said Stephanie Oberlie, Unity Foundation search committee chair, in a press release. “Her leadership style is collaborative, compassionate and visionary, and we know that she will continue to inspire us all as we move into the next phase of the Foundation’s work.”
Gabbert earned a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College in communication and a master’s degree in communication studies from Ball State University.
“I look forward to partnering with nonprofits, community members and local leaders to build on Unity’s strong legacy and create meaningful impact for our community,” Gabbert said.
