 |
|
Tracy Simons, CFRE
Executive Director
tsimons@silvercross.org
(815) 300-7113
Tracy Simons serves as Executive Director of the Silver Cross Foundation, where she leads philanthropic initiatives that help advance the mission of Silver Cross Hospital through grateful patient giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and community fundraising. Since assuming leadership of the Foundation in 2017, she has helped secure over $22 million in charitable support, connecting donors' passions with opportunities that enhance patient care, expand programs and services, invest in advanced technology, and improve the health of the communities Silver Cross serves.
With 29 years of service to Silver Cross, Tracy brings a deep understanding of the hospital's history, mission, and future priorities. Her unique perspective, shaped by both healthcare leadership and fundraising experience, allows her to work closely with donors to create meaningful giving opportunities that reflect their personal values and philanthropic goals. Whether through annual gifts, major gifts, endowment support, or legacy planning, Tracy is passionate about helping donors make an impact that will benefit patients and families for generations to come.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Tracy is recognized for her commitment to ethical fundraising, donor stewardship, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Valparaiso University and an MBA from the University of St. Francis. She is a past president of the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Suburban Philanthropic Network, and the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations, and currently serves as President Elect for the Rotary Club of Joliet.
Known for her relationship-focused approach, Tracy believes philanthropy is ultimately about people. She takes pride in helping donors create lasting legacies while ensuring Silver Cross remains a trusted source of exceptional healthcare close to home for future generations.
|
 |
|
Kelly Baltas
Corporate Giving and Events Coordinator
kbaltas@silvercross.org
(815) 300-3941
Kelly Baltas plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Silver Cross Foundation through corporate philanthropy, donor engagement, and special events. She oversees the Foundation's corporate giving initiatives, scholarship program, matching gift opportunities, third-party fundraising events, and a portfolio of signature fundraising and stewardship events that connect donors and community partners with opportunities to support exceptional healthcare at Silver Cross Hospital.
With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, event management, marketing, and community relations, Kelly has built a reputation for cultivating meaningful relationships and creating successful events that inspire charitable support. Prior to joining Silver Cross, she held leadership positions with CASA of River Valley, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, where she secured sponsorships, managed large-scale events, and helped nonprofit organizations achieve their fundraising goals.
A lifelong resident of the region, Kelly is deeply involved in the community and brings a passion for service, collaboration, and relationship building to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a specialization in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Kelly enjoys helping donors, sponsors, and community partners find meaningful ways to support Silver Cross and improve the health and wellbeing of patients and families throughout our community.
|
 |
|
Kristen Stuckwisch
Annual Giving & Database Coordinator
kstuckwisch@silvercross.org
(815) 300-3941
Kristen Stuckwisch is an experienced nonprofit and healthcare professional who helps power the fundraising efforts of the Silver Cross Foundation through donor stewardship, annual giving, database management, and constituent engagement. In her role, she oversees the Foundation's donor database, gift processing, reporting, and fundraising support systems while helping execute annual giving campaigns, donor communications, stewardship initiatives, and special events that strengthen philanthropy across the organization.
With a career spanning healthcare, philanthropy, and operations, Kristen brings a unique combination of technical expertise and donor-centered service. Before joining Silver Cross, she served as Foundation Stewardship Officer for the Ascension Illinois Foundation, where she supported major gift fundraising, donor recognition programs, campaign strategy, board relations, and stewardship efforts for multiple hospitals. Her previous experience in patient access and healthcare project management provides valuable insight into the needs of patients and families and the life-changing impact charitable giving can have on healthcare delivery.
Kristen is a Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT Certified Professional and is passionate about ensuring donors have an exceptional giving experience, from their first gift through long-term engagement and recognition. Her expertise in data integrity, fundraising operations, and donor stewardship enables the Foundation to make informed decisions, build meaningful relationships, and maximize the impact of every philanthropic investment.
|
