Riley Children’s Foundation announces new President and CEO
Elizabeth A. Elkas, MFA, will serve as the eighth leader in Riley Children’s Foundation’s nearly 100-year legacy
INDIANAPOLIS (July 18, 2019) – Today, the Riley Children’s Endowment Board of Governors announced the selection of Elizabeth A. Elkas, MFA, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Riley Children’s Foundation effective August 21, 2019.
She most recently served as Senior Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), where her tenure began in 1987. At IUSM, Liz held progressively responsible leadership positions in the Office of Gift Development, orchestrating four successful capital campaigns and other fundraising initiatives that resulted in $1.63 billion in realized gifts and planned gift expectancies.
Elkas will now be responsible for leading Riley Children’s Foundation as they aim to raise more than $175 million through Be the Hope NOW: The Campaign for Kids by June 2020 while strategically planning for Riley’s centennial celebration.
David A. Ricks, Chairman of the Riley Children’s Endowment Board of Governors remarked, “Liz’s passion for our mission, proven track record in major and transformational gift fundraising, excellent reputation and relationships in our community differentiated her from other candidates. We look forward to working together to create even greater impact for the children and families who turn to Riley Hospital for Children in their time of need.”
Matt Cook, President of Riley Children’s Health remarked, “Our team at Riley Children’s Health is looking forward to partnering with Liz and the Riley Children’s Foundation team as we continue to work together to meet the health needs of children in Indiana and beyond.”
In looking toward her new role Elkas said, “I am excited to begin my role as the new president and CEO of Riley Children’s Foundation. Riley is a beacon of hope for the children of Indiana and beyond. This institution is one of the finest in our country, and I am energized because Riley, on the eve of its 100th anniversary, is poised to surge even further ahead as an eminent leader in pediatric health. The medicine practiced here helps children across the Midwest, and its research will impact children across the nation and world.”
Elkas was selected after a national search. She will serve as the eighth leader in Riley Children’s Foundation’s nearly 100-year legacy.
About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation is the fundraising arm of Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and the founding organization that opened Riley Hospital in 1924. Today Riley Hospital is recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation and is the only comprehensive children’s research hospital in the state of Indiana. Be the Hope NOW: The Campaign for Kids aims to raise $175 million by June 2020 to transform Riley Hospital through three high-priority programs: Pediatric Research and Patient Care, Maternity and Newborn Health and Family Support Programs. Riley Children’s Foundation also funds Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home and Billie Lou Wood Visitor Center. For more information, visit BeTheHopeNOW.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RileyKids.