Brandi Smith is moving on after a four-and-a-half year stint as President of the Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation, and she’ll be replaced in the near term by an interim appointee as the search gets underway for her replacement.
Smith will depart this month and Melinda Gruber will take the reins as interim President according to a dispatch from the healthcare system this morning by email newsletter.
In that newsletter, Smith shared this:
A Message from Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation President
“As many of you know, I will be moving out of the area later this month to be closer to family. As I prepare to move, I’d like to thank you for your support and philanthropy over the past four and a half years. It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve as President of Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation, working campaigns like our new Pavilion, the Parcourse in Watervliet, and events like Hope Grows. Your generosity has truly inspired me and impacted our community positively for future generations.
As I depart, my colleague and friend, Melinda Gruber will take over as interim President of the foundation. Amidst a time of changes and challenges, she and the foundation team look forward to continuing to work with you as we move forward in our mission of improving health, inspiring hope, and saving lives.” — Brandi Smith, President, Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation.
That entry in the email newsletter was followed immediately by this message:
Announcing Interim Foundation President
To continue leadership oversight over the foundation, Melinda Gruber, PhD has been appointed as interim President of the Foundation. Dr. Gruber brings to the role her expertise and knowledge gained by more than 18 years of experience in development and fundraising. Melinda is a Certified Fundraising Executive and currently serves as Vice President, Continued Care Services and CEO, Caring Circle for Spectrum Health Lakeland.
As the future of the Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation is planned, a director position will be added. A dedicated team of Board members will vet all candidates brought forward for consideration. During her time at Lakeland, Brandi has established an extremely competent team with the Foundation that will continue to deliver and exceed expectations.
