Orlando, FL – The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Heather Brungardt, MSW as the new President & Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective July 1, 2024.
“We are excited to have Heather join the RMHCCF team as she will help lead the charity forward. Heather’s experience, compassion, and leadership fit in perfectly with the mission of the organization. Welcome Heather”, said Eric Reed, Chair of RMHCCF’s Board of Directors.
Heather brings nearly three decades of health care and non-profit clinical and leadership experience, including executive leadership experience at Partners in Care Foundation in California, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Kansas City Free Health Clinic in the Kansas City area. Most recently, she was the Chief Program and Clinical Officer at the Children’s Home Society of Florida. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated success in designing and implementing innovative, hospital and community-based systems of care to address the social, emotional, and physical health needs of children and families. She also has expertise in health and social needs care financing and policy as well as workforce development.
Heather is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and served as President of the National Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC). In 2017 she was selected by her peers to receive the honor of the National SSWLHC, “Health Care Social Work Leader of the Year Award”. Heather graduated from Pittsburgh State University with a BA in social work and holds a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas.
“Heather’s three decades of non-profit experience in dealing with hospital and community-based systems will facilitate ongoing initiatives for RMHC of Central Florida”, said John Petrakis current interim CEO and BOD.
As the newly appointed President & CEO of RMHCCF, Heather Brungardt will lead the organization in its mission to ensure access to life-saving healthcare for all children and provide unwavering support to their families. Collaborating closely with the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners, Heather Brungardt is committed to upholding the RMHCCF legacy of providing essential health services to families facing challenging times.
“RMHC of Central Florida works at the intersection of health and social needs care to support the families and caregivers of our region’s most vulnerable children”, said Heather Brungardt. “I am thrilled to join the RMHC team and to work alongside our healthcare and community partners to sustain our rich history and innovate together for the future.”
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida finds, creates, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families. Its cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House, provides a home away from home for families with children receiving treatment at local hospitals and medical facilities.
There are three Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando on the campuses of AdventHealth for Children, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and Nemours Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit www.rmhccf.org.
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