LA PORTE COUNTY, IN— After a comprehensive national search, Unity Foundation of La Porte County is proud to announce the appointment of philanthropic leader Jeri Pat Gabbert, CFRE, as the Foundation’s next President & CEO, effective November 3, 2025. Jeri Pat will succeed Maggi Spartz who served Unity Foundation as President for more than 33 years and who announced her intended retirement earlier this year.

Jeri Pat Gabbert comes to Unity Foundation after more than 22 years working at the intersection of philanthropy, education and community engagement. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropic Officer for the Porter County Community Foundation. In her role, Jeri Pat provides strategic leadership and innovative vision in the implementation of the Foundation’s mission, including planning and execution of daily operations, asset development, and marketing and communications.

Jeri Pat serves as a faculty member at The Fund Raising School, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the nation’s premier school of philanthropy. She earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2009 and continues to give back to the profession through her leadership. Jeri Pat serves on the Committee on Directorship for CFRE International, is the past chair for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District V (CASE V), is the past chair for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Indiana (CASE Indiana), is the current chair of the Association of Christian Fundraisers (ACF), and is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she is also a charter member of the AFP Northwest Indiana Chapter.

Jeri Pat previously served as the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs at Indiana University Northwest. As the chief development, communications, and marketing officer and strategist, she was responsible for providing leadership and initiative in the planning, implementation, and administration of the campus’ fundraising, alumni relations, special events, and communication and marketing programs.

Unity Foundation’s Search Committee Chair Stephanie Oberlie commented, “Jeri Pat’s proven record of leadership, her deep knowledge and skills in philanthropy, and her demonstrated commitment to ‘giving back’ make her the ideal candidate to lead us forward. Her leadership style is collaborative, compassionate and visionary, and we know that she will continue to inspire us all as we move into the next phase of the Foundation’s work. We are thrilled to have Jeri Pat take on this new role and look forward to the future she will help create for our communities.”

Jeri Pat noted, “I am honored to join the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and excited to work alongside such a dedicated team. I look forward to partnering with nonprofits, community members and local leaders to build on Unity’s strong legacy and create meaningful impact for our community.”

Jeri Pat holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College in communication and a Master of Arts degree in communication studies from Ball State University.

Unity Foundation of La Porte County retained Kittleman & Associates to lead the search. Kittleman is a retained executive search firm, founded in 1963, specializing in CEO recruitment for not-for-profit organizations throughout the U.S.