CLEVELAND, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- There wasn’t much more the healthcare system could do for or to Robert Eckardt, he thought at the time. By age 16, he had already watched his mother, best friend and another close friend’s sister die from long, debilitating illnesses.
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By his estimation, he had experienced first-hand the best and worst of the nation’s healthcare system. He recalled those experiences a few years later when he made up his mind to devote his life’s work to improving care for individuals with chronic illnesses. His role as Senior Vice President of Programs and Evaluation for The Cleveland Foundation helps him accomplish just that.
Eckardt is being honored nationally today with the Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy for his groundbreaking work in improving healthcare for the sick and aging.
“The vision and leadership Bob has shown in bringing attention to neglected issues, fostering collaboration, and working tirelessly with colleagues to strengthen the practice of philanthropy reflect and honor the values embodied by Terrance Keenan and the award that bears his name,” said Dr. Lauren LeRoy, president and CEO of Grantmakers In Health (GIH).
The Terrance Keenan Leadership Award, given annually by GIH, recognizes leaders in the field of health philanthropy whose leadership and thoughtful application of philanthropic resources has had an impact on human health at the local, regional, national or international level.
In his 23 years with The Cleveland Foundation, Eckardt has been a driving force in improving long-term care needs of Greater Clevelanders by encouraging families and nonprofessionals to play a larger role in providing solutions. Eckardt oversees grant programs totaling $60 million a year.
“Bob’s willingness to truly listen and bring everyone to the table sets him apart,” said Ronn Richard, President and CEO of The Cleveland Foundation. “His ability to take risks and stand alone against prevailing thought to support the right initiatives is appreciated and respected. By challenging the status quo, Bob’s work has improved the lives of countless individuals who had no other voice.”
Eckardt has worked with Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation to create community programs, such as the Public Health Institute, the Center for Children with Chronic Conditions and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.
He was charged with positioning Cleveland as a leader in medical research and assisted in creating the Center for Structural Biology. He also led an initiative to form the Fairhill Institute for the Elderly and has traveled abroad to personally study elder care. He is instrumental in counseling and advising organizations such as The Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland and Neighborhood Family Practice.
Eckardt has served as a Board officer of several national philanthropic groups, including Grantmakers In Health, Grantmakers In Aging, Funders Concerned about AIDS, the Grantmakers Evaluation Network and the Health Policy Institute of Ohio.
A graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa, Eckardt earned master’s and doctorate degrees in Public Health as well as a Certificate of Specialization in Aging from the University of Michigan.
Established in 1914, The Cleveland Foundation is the first community foundation formed in the United States. With assets of $1.63 billion, the Foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders in perpetuity by building endowments to address community needs, supporting worthy initiatives with grants and providing leadership on key issues. As one of the largest foundations in the country, it awards more than $80 million in grants annually. For more information about The Cleveland Foundation, please visit http://www.clevelandfoundation.org or call Meghan Glynn at 216-615-7153.
Cleveland Foundation
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CONTACT: Meghan Glynn of The Cleveland Foundation, +1-216-615-7153
Web site: http://www.clevelandfoundation.org//
