About UCHF2023-06-27T10:29:01-04:00
About The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation

Leadership Message

The practice of medicine, especially in the areas of technology and innovation, is constantly changing and evolving. Hospitals and health systems across the state of Maryland and the nation are on a mission to provide their patients with the highest quality care in an environment that features state-of-the-art facilities, integrated technologies and of course, the most skilled and esteemed physicians and health care providers.

As an integrated health system, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) invests in the tools and resources necessary to meet the growing needs of our community. Our relationships have developed over many years – from the thousands of team members and hundreds of volunteers who help make us who we are to the many neighbors and businesses who support what we do. Through philanthropy, we are able to make critically important investments that ensure we remain the highest quality health care provider – right here in Harford County.

Together, we look forward to building on our past success and taking steps toward our future. We are grateful for all of our supporters who have allowed our health care system to grow and thrive and are deeply committed to continuing our journey to be the best. Thank you for joining us.

All the best,

Elizabeth Wise

Vision and Mission

The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation supports the mission of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) through developing relationships with individuals and organizations who wish to take part in the expansion and improvement of health care services provided in Harford County. Through the work of The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, the community supports its hospital through philanthropic gifts, planned giving, participation in fundraising events and volunteerism.

Meet the Foundation Team

Our professionals are committed to helping University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) stand as a leader in the health care community. We work diligently to assure that your community hospital and health care services have the resources necessary to serve you, your family members, friends and neighbors.

Ken Ferrara

Ken Ferrara

Vice President and
Executive Director
Phone: 443-643-3467
KFerrara@umm.edu

Sarah Karanotis

Sarah Karantonis

Assistant Vice President
Phone: 443-643-3390
SKarantoni@umm.edu

Donna Tower Lenzner

Donna Tower Lenzner, CFRE

Manager, Community Engagement and
Special Events
Phone: 443-643-3469
DTlenzner@umm.edu

Geordan Sommer

Geordan Sommer

Development and Communications Officer
Phone: 443-643-1709
Geordan.Sommer@umm.edu

Meet the Foundation Board

We are grateful to the following members of our community who donate their time, talents, and treasure to serve and support University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) as members of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Officers of the Board of Directors

board of directors

Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation Board chairs, past and present

Craig A. Ward P.E
Chairperson

Elizabeth Wise, FACHE, MSN, MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer

Richard P. Streett, Jr., V.M.D.
Immediate Past Chairperson

Thomas L. Fidler, Jr.
Secretary

Cindy Hushon
Assistant Secretary, ex-officio /
Senator Bob Hooper House, Chairperson

Bryan Kilby
Treasurer

Members of the Board of Directors

Charles Alexander, RN, MSN, MBA, CPTC
Michael F. Allen
Clarence C. Boyle, Jr.
Steven S. Cohen
Melinda L. Craig
Theresa B. Felder, Ed.D
Sandra D. Guzewich
James M. Harkins
Patricia Jablon
Ryan D. John
Patricia D. Kaufman
M. Scot Kaufman
Bryan E. Kelly
V. Dixon King, Jr., M.D., MBA
Marshall Klein
Sheryl Davis Kohl
Sanjeev Kumar, M.D.
Dennis Kurgansky M.D.
James Lambdin
Sharon M. Lipford
Michael MacPherson
Anthony J. Meoli
Tobias Musser
Keith Rawlings
James C. Richardson
Joseph F. Snee Jr. Esq.
Donna Stifler
Lisa E. Thomas M.D.
Thomas Walls
Craig A. Ward P.E.
Adele Wilzack R.N.
Monica A. Worrell

Emeritus

William Acker*
M. Scot Kaufman
Patricia Kaufman
Andrew P. Klein*
Shirley S. Klein*
Anthony J. Meoli
Reverend Charles K. Riepe*

*Deceased

Staff

Ken Ferrara
Vice President and Executive Director

Marco Priolo
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Meet Our Partners

The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation partners with many local businesses, clubs and organizations, volunteers and generous benefactors, all sharing a similar goal of supporting University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health’s (UM UCH) mission to deliver unparalleled health care services to our community.

Chesapeake Cancer Alliance logo

Give to Chesapeake Cancer Alliance today by supporting Cancer LifeNet at the Kaufman Cancer Center.

Chesapeake Cancer Alliance (CCA) in Harford County was formed in July, 2003 when a group of friends interested in improving the quality of life for cancer patients in their own community, committed to raise funds to provide such services. Understanding that facing cancer can be one of the most significant challenges a person encounters, the CCA was determined to provide the best support services available.

Together, CCA and The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation raise funds through individual and group fundraising projects, business and corporate sponsorships, memorials and donations from the community. CCA is affiliated with The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation to provide philanthropic support for programs offered by Cancer LifeNet at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, the Upper Chesapeake Health Breast Care Center and the Kaufman Cancer Center at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH).

The Klein Family Center helps people in crisis overcome the challenges of all types of mental health conditions, including substance abuse, regardless of insurance and ability to pay. Located in Bel Air, Maryland, this public-private partnership offers immediate access to behavioral, mental and addiction health services in a safe and comfortable environment. Learn more about services and resources provided at harfordcrisiscenter.org.

Senator Bob Hooper House

Life and death are unique and very personal experiences. When facing end of life, both the individual and their family experience a flood of emotions. The Senator Bob Hooper House can relieve some of the stress and worry when a loved one is terminally ill, allowing families to make the most of every moment they share together. With private rooms and gathering areas for loved ones, the beautiful and comfortable house feels like home.

The mission of the house is simple: For all families in our community, regardless of income, to have access to compassionate, full service end of life care, close to home. The 10,570 square foot house consists of eight private rooms offering overnight facilities for visitors, as well as a private patio or deck. In addition, there is a community kitchen, dining room, living room, a children’s play room and a non-denominational chapel. Specialized medical care and supportive services for residents and their loved ones are available through Gilchrist providers. To learn more about the Senator Bob Hooper House and how you can help, visit www.bobhooperhouse.org