Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the addition of Laura Francesconi, Stephanie Oberlie, Dale Parkison and Seth Spencer to its Board of Directors.
Laura Francesconi recently retired from Meridian Title Corporation where she served as Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Development. Francesconi is the Chair of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership GLEDC Board and serves on the Women’s Care Center Advisory Board and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Merit Commission Board. On joining the Unity Board Francesconi said, “I am honored to be a part of something so impactful in our community.”
Stephanie Oberlie is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Harbor Trust & Investment Management Company. She is a past chair and current board member of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City. “I have witnessed Unity Foundation as a vison maker and a leader in our entire county making dreams for individuals and families come true,” Oberlie said. “Unity has a track record as an innovator and change maker. I am delighted to be a part of this organization.”
Dale Parkison is a partner with Parkison & Hinton, Inc., P.C. He is also a member of the La Porte Park Foundation. Parkison said, “I have watched Unity’s funds build and grow over the years. The number of dollars that accumulate makes a real difference to non-profit organizations.”
Seth Spencer is the founder and CEO of SERA Group, formerly SERA Solutions, and is a member of the Vibrant Communities of La Porte County Leadership team. Seth also serves as Vice President for Junior Achievement of La Porte County and is a board member of Economic Development Corporation Michigan City “It's not too often that you see organizations come together and work so much and so effectively with so many different partners,” Spencer said. “The idea of being part of one of these powerhouse organizations that really gets stuff done gives me a positive outlook on the future of La Porte County.”
“As we look ahead to the future and the celebration of our 30th anniversary next year, we are thrilled to add these four new members with their many strengths to our board,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President. “They join an exceptional and diverse group of board members who will shape the next 30 years for Unity and La Porte County.”
Francesconi, Oberlie, Parkison and Spencer join present members Jon Gilmore, Ed Volk, Marti Swanson, Dr. Vidya Kora, Unity Founder Mike Brennan, Paul Applegate, Liz Bernel, Diana Corley, Angie Nelson Deuitch, Barbara Eason-Watkins, Jim Kaminski, Ron Ragains, Scott Rice and Kim Sauers.
The Unity Foundation is grateful for outgoing member, Tom Edwards, who provided seven years of effective board service.
Visit uflc.net to learn more about Unity Foundation, including grants, scholarships and charitable giving ideas.
Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages over $40 million in assets, administers more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $21 million through direct grants and scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana and national ethical and operating standards for community foundations. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.