Loretto has hired Barbara Karas as Director of Development for The Loretto Foundation. The Loretto Foundation is a is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 by Loretto to be a vital bridge to crucial funding for innovative and unexpected opportunities that enhance the lives of our residents, participants and employees.
Karas will oversee the Loretto Foundation, serving as an internal and external liaison representing the organization to donors and the public, directing all development and gift giving efforts for Loretto to fund strategic priorities and programs, managing Loretto’s WeCare employee fund, and supporting the Loretto Foundation Board’s strategic role in helping to promote a philanthropic culture for Loretto in the region.
“This role is critically important to Loretto’s ability to fulfill our mission to care for the most vulnerable in our community. As the region’s safety net provider, 75% of those we serve rely on Medicaid, which only pays 70% of their care costs. This role helps fill that gap by providing crucial resources in times of need, “says Julie Sheedy, Vice President of the Loretto Foundation and Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at Loretto. “As Loretto prepares to commemorate our 100-year anniversary this fall, each gift to The Loretto Foundation provides the power to make ordinary extraordinary for our residents, participants, and employees.”
Karas comes to Loretto from Crouse Health Foundation, where she most recently served as the Development & Marketing Director. She previously served as the Donor Development & Marketing Manager, Annual Giving Coordinator, and Campaign Coordinator, also at Crouse Health Foundation. Karas earned a master’s degree in economics from Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Syracuse University.