(La Porte County, IN) - A replacement has been named for the outgoing founding president of the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.  Jeri Pat Gabbert will succeed Maggi Spartz beginning November 3rd.

Currently, Gabbert is Executive Vice-President and Chief Philanthropic Officer for the Porter County Community Foundation.  She’s also a faculty member at The Fund Raising School, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the nation’s premier school of philanthropy.  Gabbert has been involved in philanthropy, education and community engagement for over 22-years.

“Her leadership style is collaborative, compassionate and visionary, and we know that she will continue to inspire us all as we move into the next phase of the Foundation’s work,” said Stephanie Oberlie, the Unity Foundation’s Search Committee Chairman.

Gabbert  was previously Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs at Indiana University Northwest.

“I look forward to partnering with nonprofits, community members and local leaders to build on Unity’s strong legacy and create meaningful impact for our community,” Gabbert said.

Spartz has been president of the foundation since it formed in 1992.