SOUTH BEND – Dr. Ilene Sheffer has been named chief campaign strategist for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Michiana (RMHC). Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana oversees the Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Children’s Hospital, a place for families to stay close to their hospitalized children. The new 20-bedroom house that opened to families February 20, is located in the Skyway Building connected to the Hospital.
Sheffer will oversee the “Let Your Love Shine Through” campaign as well as development of corporate and legacy gifts and foundation grants. “With the future expansion of Memorial Children’s Hospital, the need for our services will be expanding,” noted Becky Summers, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana. “We are excited to have Ilene leading our fundraising campaign and corporate development. She not only brings a wealth of experience in the development area but also has been a respected community leader. She will be a great asset to RMHC.”
Sheffer retired at the end of 2016 as vice chancellor for University Advancement at Indiana University South Bend, a position she had held since 2003. During that time, she also was responsible for development, foundation relations, public affairs, as well as marketing and communications. She also served as vice president for community services and development at Southwestern Michigan College.
Sheffer has a bachelor of arts from Hunter College in New York. She also has a master of arts in education and a doctor of education in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Sheffer is president of the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and secretary of the Stanley Clark School Board. She has also served as a board member of the YWCA of St. Joseph County, Chemical Bank Shoreline and was a previous president of the Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to relax or sleep, eat a hot meal or grab a quick shower, all at no cost to them. To learn more about Ronald McDonald House and ways you can volunteer or help families in our community, please visit www.rmhcmichiana.org.
