Your browser has turned off or is blocking Javascript.
If you are using a content blocker, check to see that you have not globally turned off Javascript.
If you have turned it off manually in your browser, please enable it to better experience this site.
Our Staff
Joel Harbaugh
President
Joel joined the Union Health Foundation in 2012. His experience with the hospital goes back much farther than that. Joel was born at Union, his late wife, Mary, was a surgical nurse for 19 years at Union Hospital and the Wabash Surgery Center, and three of their four children were born here. As such, Joel knows first hand the level of care Union Hospital provides to our patients and our community, and it’s what brought him to the Foundation.
“Every day I see the caregivers and support staff here at Union making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Because of the experiences my family and I have had, some happy and some sad, I am thrilled to be part of the difference making. By sharing the impact of the important work being done at Union, we are helping the community understand the value of their charitable investment in Union Health. Our work to fund new technology and services for the betterment of our community is personally fulfilling.”
Joel is a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and a Masters of Arts in Communication. It’s not often you’ll find Joel sitting down. If he isn’t on the move with his children, it’s a safe bet he’s somewhere in the world on a bicycle. As an avid cyclist, he has ridden more than 75,000 miles, and expects to add 4,000 to 5,000 to that total annually. He serves on the board of directors for Hospice of the Wabash Valley, Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, Terre Haute Cycling/J’s Bikes Racing, and is a member of St. Joseph’s University Parish, Boy Scouts of America, Country Club of Terre Haute, Griffin Bike Park, Indiana Freemasons, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Kelly Walker
Assistant Director
Kelly Walker joined the Foundation in April 2015 as the assistant director and has more than a 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations and journalism from her previous roles in both commercial and non –profit industries. Previously serving in the health system’s marketing department, Kelly’s experience provides her with an intimate knowledge of Union’s services as well as the healthcare needs of Wabash Valley residents.
“One of the aspects of marketing I loved the most was the opportunity to connect people with our healthcare services and help make a difference in their lives. At the Foundation, I’m excited to raise funds to help provide the resources necessary to deliver that level of quality care in our community.”
Kelly grew up just east of Indianapolis in New Palestine, Indiana, and spent much of her childhood watching the legend Larry Bird play for the Boston Celtics. That fandom led her to Bird’s alma mater, Indiana State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Kelly also holds an MBA from Western Governor’s University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations Society and is a member of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development. Kelly and her husband, Kenny, live on the east side of Terre Haute with their three children.
Marlene Lenz
Administrative Secretary
Marlene has been with the Foundation since 1996. During that time, she’s brought the Foundation into the modern ages by creating electronic databases for the management of scholarships, grant and awards. She oversees the process from application to selection to disbursement and does it all with a smile on her face.
“I’m happy to have a part in the grant process including the follow-through of grants and how they help Union Hospital and even outside in our community. I enjoy seeing the funds go to good use, and I really enjoy meeting the donors and working with our board members, observing their enthusiasm and desire to advance our mission.”
Marlene was born and raised in Brazil, Indiana. She’s been married to her husband, Stephen, for 33 years, and they are actively involved with the Northview Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Marlene and Stephen have one daughter, two young grandsons and one granddaughter, who they love to dote on with trips to the parks, museums and zoos. On sunny days, Marlene and Steve enjoy taking long drives through the countryside and traveling. Marlene also practices mat pilates, and often spends her break time doing a workout in a spare room around the office.
