Interim Vice President Development for the Lifespace Foundation

From Jesse Jantzen, Chief Executive Officer

The Lifespace Foundation plays a vital role in our Lifespace family. I continue to remain committed to honoring the philanthropic goals and contributions of donors by making sure we achieve maximum impact as an organization. While over the past year we saw a number of projects funded through the charitable intent of our residents, we have also experienced a notable decline in dollars raised. I recently learned from Marts & Lundy, a nationally recognized fund development consultant with a practice specializing in senior living, that despite the pandemic and now the economic environment we are in, they continue to see strong fundraising results across the country. I want to see The Lifespace Foundation thrive the way others are!

Having heard the encouraging feedback from Marts & Lundy, rather than embarking on an extended search for the next Vice President Philanthropy, I’ve asked Curt Gielow to join our team and provide immediate and longer-term interim leadership for the Foundation.

Curt served on the Board of Directors at two senior living organizations I previously led. Having worked with him for many years, Curt has proven experience in building relationships, leading strong teams, and achieving results that align with an organization’s purpose. He will spend time working with each Executive Director to assess the Foundation operations at both the community and corporate level. He will also meet with each community’s Foundation Advisory Committee to better understand resident goals and needs. As you get to know Curt, you’ll find him to be a well-respected leader with experience in senior living – as well as in various other domains ranging from Mayor, to State legislature, to Dean of a university. Most relevant to us in this role, he has done extensive fundraising throughout his career.

Curt has been married to his wife, Mary, for 53 years. He has two highly accomplished sons and three grandchildren. He loves thoroughbred horses and owns two to four horses at any given time.

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