Decker Named Executive Director of Saint Francis Foundation

Linda Decker, senior development officer at Saint Francis Foundation, has been named executive director of the Foundation, Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, Saint Francis Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer, announced today.

Her new responsibilities include the management of the development team, building relationships with both the Foundation and The Friends of Saint Francis Boards of Directors, increasing the Foundation’s donor base and broadening grant efforts.

“In the time she has been with Saint Francis, Linda already has shown her tremendous talents. I am pleased she has accepted this newly expanded position,” says Bjelich.

Decker joined Saint Francis in June of 2009 and has proven to be an excellent asset to the Saint Francis Family. Her leadership of the Medical Center’s employee fundraising campaign, Team One, led to its most successful year ever. She has been responsible for the Guardian Angel Program, Pediatric Rooftop Garden project, Luminaries for Life and building the Foundation’s strategic plan, just to name a few.

Prior to joining Saint Francis, Decker was the divisional vice president of public relations/event marketing for Macy’s Midwest, located in St. Louis. She has more than 20 years experience in public relations, media, marketing and event planning. During her time with Macy’s, she built the department from the ground up. Her proven leadership will be invaluable to Saint Francis Foundation.

Decker’s position of executive director of the Foundation is a new one. The position of Vice President – Development and Administrative Services, which was responsible for the Foundation’s leadership, has been eliminated. Those responsibilities have been assigned to other members of the Medical Center’s Executive Team.