Benedictine Appoints Laurie Hennen As Senior Vice President, Foundation/Chief Philanthropy Officer

Laurie Hennen has been appointed senior vice president, foundation/chief philanthropy officer effective Monday, November 9, 2020, by Benedictine. Benedictine is a leading faith-based provider of senior care and senior living services in the Midwest.

At Benedictine, Hennen will be responsible for leading, directing and strengthening all Foundation efforts that support the Benedictine Mission and Core Values. She will have strategic responsibility for the comprehensive fundraising program for Benedictine and their Associated Foundations. She will provide leadership and staff support to the Foundation Board of Directors, coordination of grant application and fund development efforts and more – all designed to ensure support to those served by their ministry.

“Laurie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Foundation team,” said Jerry Carley, Benedictine president and CEO. “We welcome Laurie and look forward to her leadership as Benedictine continues to move forward in a changing environment.”

With nearly 15 years of philanthropic experience, Hennen comes to Benedictine as a foundation and fundraising professional focusing on health care, education and technology. Prior to joining Benedictine, she served in the Allina Health System where she had philanthropic responsibility for the Penny George Institute, the Phillips Eye Institute and the Allina Health Hospice Foundation. Before her Allina position, Hennen was director of advancement at the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences. She has additional experience in association management consulting and at a Minnesota economic development non-profit organization.

Hennen is a graduate of Mankato State University, Mankato, Minn., holds a mini-MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis as well as has participated in several Minnesota-based leadership and fundraising programs.