New Appointments Strengthen UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation's Board of Trustees in Key Campaign Period

UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation Welcomes New Trustees

UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation has recently appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees: Gina Astorino, Lara Patrinos Bentz, and Christopher S. McElroy. This addition comes at a crucial time as the Foundation approaches the conclusion of its largest fundraising campaign to date, known as This Moment. The involvement of these new trustees is expected to provide significant momentum as the Foundation seeks to achieve its ambitious goals.

Introducing the New Trustees

Gina Astorino

Gina Astorino serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Grane Healthcare, a prominent provider of long-term healthcare services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing, she has a proven track record of enhancing patient engagement and building trust within the community. Her responsibilities include brand management and media advertising, ensuring Grane’s mission resonates with clarity and empathy. Besides her role at Grane, Gina is a member of the Board of Directors at the Fox Chapel Golf Club and is actively involved in the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association.

Lara Patrinos Bentz

Lara Patrinos Bentz brings a wealth of financial expertise to the Board. A versatile finance professional and real estate manager, she has experience spanning various sectors, including banking and corporate human resources. As the former Director of Operations for Primanti Bros., a family-owned restaurant chain, Lara played a key role in transitioning the business to its current organizational structure. Currently, she manages her family's real estate investments and serves on the Board of Trustees for Shadyside Academy, contributing her insights to multiple committees at the Fox Chapel Golf Club.

Christopher S. McElroy

Christopher McElroy is a Co-CEO and Senior Shareholder at Schneider Downs, where he leads the firm’s strategic vision and customer service excellence. With over 25 years in public and private accounting, Chris specializes in international tax consulting for large U.S. multinationals and the middle market sectors. His active participation includes membership on the Allegheny Conference Advisory Committee and involvement with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Furthermore, Chris plays a crucial role in UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation events, having co-chaired the annual Walk for Children's event in June 2025.

Future Prospects

These new appointments have been warmly welcomed by Vanessa Morehouse, Chair of the Foundation’s Board, who expressed confidence in their diverse experiences and leadership skills. “Gina, Lara, and Chris bring deep and varied experiences to the Board and are committed to helping us gain momentum in the final months of our This Moment campaign and beyond,” she stated. This sentiment echoes the Foundation's mission to facilitate advancements in pediatric healthcare and underscores the pivotal role the new trustees will play.

UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation is focused on catalyzing community involvement and contributions to improve healthcare outcomes for children. As the sole fundraising entity for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, it supports the vision to be the leading institution in pediatric healthcare and education globally.

For more information about UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation and its initiatives, you can visit www.givetochildrens.org. This organization has been a cornerstone in the community since its formation, striving to provide children with exceptional care supported by innovative research. As UPMC Children’s Hospital continues its prestigious legacy, community engagement and leadership are more critical than ever in achieving their goals.

In conclusion, the newly appointed trustees are set to enhance the Foundation's efforts at a crucial juncture. With their extensive backgrounds in healthcare, finance, and operations, they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation's objectives and improve health outcomes for children for years to come.