HSHS names President of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Jim Barber has been named President of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy. Barber has been serving in this role in an interim capacity since October 2025.

In this role, Barber will lead all philanthropic initiatives across the health system, ensuring continued partnership with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Foundation staff, operational leadership, physicians, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders.
 

Jim Barber
President of Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy

Barber has over 30 years of leadership in health care philanthropy and donor relations. As President and COO of Mercy Health Foundation, he managed fundraising for 18 foundations in five states, overseeing $258 million in assets. Under his direction, philanthropic revenue grew by nearly 90%, with $293 million raised from 2019 to 2024, alongside operational improvements and enhanced board engagement.

Prior to Mercy Health Foundation, Barber served for 14 years as President of Via Christi Foundation in Wichita, Kansas, where he more than doubled contributions and led comprehensive fundraising initiatives supporting hospitals, research, outreach programs and community health services. His career also includes leadership roles with St. Anthony Health Foundation and St. Francis Foundation.