How Franciscan Governance Forum Readies Leaders for the Future

Paul Keggington

April 15, 2012

On April 13-14, 2012, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries, Inc. invited Trustees from NE, OH and WI  to Manitowoc, WI for a two-day forum: “The Challenges are Here: Is Governance Ready?” Because our System’s name was recently changed to include both Catholic healthcare and Catholic higher education, this gathering was important for leadership education sessions and celebration.

To become more acquainted with the System’s heritage and mission, as well as current status, new faces toured our Motherhouse, Holy Family Convent,  and the FSCC Sponsored Ministries office. At the same time, Franciscan Sisters who serve as Trustees prayed Morning Prayer, had an information session on current models of sponsorship and a conversation on current issues affecting our institutions with Sister Laura Wolf, FSCC Sponsored Ministries CEO.

Here are other speaker highlights from the meeting:

  • Sister Melanie DiPietro, Director of Seton Hall Law’s Center for Religiously Affiliated Corporations, spoke on Obedient to the Mission: A Trustee’s Duty beyond Fiduciary Concerns.
  • Howard Gleckman, author of Caring for Our Parents addressed The Future of Long-Term Care.
  • John Leech, Principal, Dynamics Advisors, Inc. presented New Models of Health Care Require New Governance Measures.
  • Rolf Wegenke, President, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, spoke on Visions and Values in Higher Education.
  • Scott McConnaha guided meaningful table discussions after all heard strategic challenges shared by Matthew Perry CEO and Board Chair Michael Bennett, Genesis Heathcare System, Zanesville, OH; Ron Briggs CEO and Board Chair William Kreikemeier, Franciscan Care Services, West Point, NE; Dr. George Arnold, President and Board Chair Sister Laura Wolf, Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, Manitowoc, WI; James Fett CEO St. Paul Elder Services, Kaukauna, WI and Mark Herzog CEO and Board Chair William Censky, Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc, WI.

A festive Easter Friday Eucharist with Bishop David Ricken, Diocese of Green Bay,  Bishop Robert Banks and Father Richard Klingeisen was celebrated in St. Francis Chapel. Following the liturgy, Silver Lake College of the Holy Family hosted a reception and dinner.

Traditional to past Trustee Forums, Community Director, Sister Louise Hembrecht, announced the Sister Ritarose Stahl Award recipient at Friday’s dinner.  Sister Camilla Wolfgram, known as a dedicated, humble volunteer in many roles of service past and present and who recently completed leadership on  the St. Paul Elder Services Board, was honored and congratulated by all.

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