Introducing 2021 Campaign Chairs: Team Froedtert Health

A team of Froedtert Health leaders will serve as United Way of Washington County’s 2021 campaign co-chairs. 

Allen Ericson: President, Froedtert West Bend Hospital and Froedtert Community Hospital locations
Shelly Waala: Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer
Patrick Gardner, MD: Associate Chief Medical Officer, Froedtert West Bend Hospital
Gary Herdrich, MD: Family Medicine/Primary Care, West Bend Health Center
Kelly Stueber: Director, Clinical Operations, Community Physicians
Jenny Nikolai: Director, Network Operations, Froedtert Health
Christopher Eichner: Practice Administrator, Clinical Operations, Community Physicians

“Building and maintaining healthy communities is the ultimate goal,” explains Allen Ericson, president of Froedtert West Bend Hospital and Froedtert Community Hospital locations. “Partnering with the United Way of Washington County allows us to make a tangible difference in realizing that goal. Our hospitals and health centers save lives every day, but we have an equally awesome responsibility to ensure we do our part throughout the diverse communities we serve to support education, financial stability and health for all.”

The Froedtert Health team is looking to build on United Way’s positive momentum to help even more people in Washington County. As the campaign chair team, they plan to increase awareness of the importance of community programs that address key issues like mental health, homelessness, and hunger. They are also looking at opportunities to increase participation as the need for services continues to grow. 

Last year, United Way of Washington County celebrated a record-breaking campaign raising $1,725,958 and mobilized 19 community partners to help more than 15,000 individuals and families in need. Part of the campaign focused on raising and investing over $100,000 in local nonprofits for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts. This helped to lift agencies that were most impacted by the shutdown.  

“Froedtert Health is a top supporter and a key collaborative partner in helping to build a heathier community for all,” said Kristin Brandner, executive director of United Way of Washington County. “We’re honored to have this team lead the way this year. They are a story of inspiration coming from the front lines of the pandemic and moving right into raising funds to help even more individuals and families in need. This speaks volumes to their commitment to the community in serving those inside and outside of their hospital and health centers.” 

The 2021 United Way campaign begins this fall. Community volunteers distribute the funds raised to support local programs that measurably improve residents’ education, financial stability and health. United Way of Washington County currently supports over 20 programs delivered by nonprofit partners and coalitions.