Immediate ( February 21, 2005)

Maria McClellan

Fletcher Allen Public Relations

(802) 847-2886

Bair Named VP of Development at Fletcher Allen

BURLINGTON, VT - Susanne P. Bair has been named vice president of development at Fletcher Allen Health Care following a national search.  Bair, 46, comes to Vermont's academic health center from the Midwest where she has spent the last 12 years in academic fundraising at Indiana University in Bloomington.  She will begin her new role at Fletcher Allen on March 28.

"I am very excited that Susie will be joining Fletcher Allen to lead our development efforts," said Fletcher Allen President and Chief Executive Officer Melinda Estes, M.D.  "She is an experienced fundraiser with a track record of success, and she understands that philanthropy will be critical to supporting the organization's mission of patient care, teaching and research in the coming years."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to join a terrific health care organization with such a dedicated and respected staff," said Bair.  "I met more than 25 different people during the interview process- both employees and community leaders - and to a person, everyone I met truly cares about this organization and understands the important role Fletcher Allen plays in delivering high-quality patient care to the people of the community and the region. I was touched by that high level of enthusiasm, and knew this would be a great place to work."

Bair has served as vice president of the Indiana University Foundation since 2002.  In her current role, she oversees fundraising for seven different campuses, and has managed a budget of approximately $6 million and a staff of 100.  During the 2003-2004 academic year, Indiana University increased private gifts from $108.1 to $121.4 million and had a record year for planned giving with gifts totaling $56.4 million.

Bair began her fundraising career at Indiana University in 1993 when she was named associate director of development and external affairs for the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.  In 1995, she was promoted to director of development and external affairs and held that position until 2002 when she was named vice president of the Foundation.  She also was named assistant dean in 2000.

Prior to becoming a fundraiser, Bair had a successful career in athletic administration, holding a number of progressively responsible positions.  She served as associate athletic director at Northeast Missouri State University from 1991 to 1993; served as administrative assistant to the associate athletic director for women's sports at Indiana University from 1988 to 1991; and was the athletic director at Attica High School in Attica, Indiana, from 1984 to 1988.  She also has been a coach at Attica High School and Terre Haute South High School in Indiana.

Bair received her bachelor of science degree in Physical Education in 1981 from Indiana State University; she received her master of science degree in Physical Education with an Athletic Administration emphasis in 1985 - also from Indiana State University; in 1991, she received her doctorate in physical education with a major in Athletic Administration and a minor in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University.

About Fletcher Allen

Fletcher Allen Health Care, in alliance with the University of Vermont College of Medicine, is Vermont's only academic health center and one of 126 in the country.  Founded in 1995, through the merger of Fanny Allen Hospital, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, and University Health Center, Fletcher Allen Health Care serves one million people in Vermont and northern New York.  The organization provides care at more than 40 sites and 100 outreach clinics in the region.