LaJOIE

MARQUETTE — The Superior Health Foundation will soon have a new executive director.

Jim LaJoie, who has served as the nonprofit organization’s executive director since its inception on Sept. 1, 2012, is retiring, effective this May.

Under his leadership, the Superior Health Foundation awarded more than $7.1 million in health-centered grants across the Upper Peninsula, established dozens of meaningful relationships and collaborations with nonprofit organizations in the U.P. and across the state, led the charge on three successful annual fundraising events (gala, golf outing and Painting the Peninsula Pink to raise money for those facing breast cancer) that raised in excess of $1,3 million, and played a decisive role in bringing like-minded organizations together to improve the health and well-being of people.

“I’ve had a wonderful, wonderful career with the Superior Health Foundation and philanthropy,” LaJoie said in a press release.

LaJoie began his career in health care philanthropy as the major gifts and planned giving officer in December 2004 for the-then Marquette General Foundation.

“I leave with a tremendous amount of pride in knowing that our foundation provided much-needed funding to so many deserving non-profits and people across our region.

“I will miss the countless life-sustaining relationships I’ve built, our incredible board of directors, and most of all, my tremendous team. I have been honored and humbled to serve as their boss for more than a decade.”

Sara Giles, president of the Superior Health Foundation board of directors, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for LaJoie’s tenure.

“I want to thank you for your outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the residents of the Upper Peninsula with your work at the Superior Health Foundation,” Giles said. “Your dedication to serving our community has been nothing short of inspiring. Your genuine kindness and visionary approach to create a healthier U.P. have left a lasting mark on all who have had the privilege of working alongside you.

“Your passion for improving the well-being of our region has been a driving force behind the foundation’s numerous funded grants, each making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve,” she added. “Your ability to lead and inspire an amazing team has been instrumental in the foundation’s success. Your work ethic, integrity and compassion were evident in every grant celebration, gala fundraiser, golf outing and board meeting. You always took the time to get to know the organizations we served and told their story so we could meet the needs presented.”

Dan Arnold, M.D., said, “Jim has made it his mission to fund health-based nonprofits and assist in their establishment and development.”

Arnold’s tenure on the board of directors for both the Marquette General Foundation and Superior Health Foundation mirrors LaJoie’s 19 years.

“Under Jim’s management,” Arnold said, “the Superior Health Foundation has attained statewide visibility and reputation for innovative granting practices.”

The Superior Health Foundation board of directors is wrapping up a nationwide search for LaJoie’s successor. A new executive director has been selected and will begin working with the foundation in April. A press release on the new ED will be released in the coming weeks.