Fesko Recognized for Contributions to Healthcare Community

Don Fesko ‘94

Don Fesko ’94 was named a Significant Sig for his ongoing engagement and leadership within the healthcare community in northwest Indiana.

Brother Fesko started his professional career as an optometrist before becoming the CEO of Community Hospital in 2005. In 2016, Don was promoted to President and CEO of Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc. (CFNI), the parent corporation of Community Healthcare System, comprised of four not-for-profit hospitals. CFNI has an annual net operating revenue of over $1.1 billion and employs over 7,700 people. Throughout his career, Don has undertaken a number of significant building and technology expansions. Under his leadership, the healthcare system has received numerous national recognitions for the delivery of high-quality patient care.

In 2009, Don achieved Fellow status and board certification from the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). He was honored with the Robert S. Hudgens Memorial Award as the 2012 Young Healthcare Executive of the Year by the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the 2014 American College of Healthcare Executives Regent’s Award for the state of Indiana.

In 2013, Indiana Governor Pence appointed him Chairman of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.  He serves on the Indiana Hospital Association Board of Directors and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  Don is President of the Community Cancer Research Foundation Board, serves on the Indiana University Northwest School of Medicine Advisory Council, the Hospice of the Calumet Area Board, and the Peoples Bank Board.

Don earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Purdue University, a Doctorate in Optometry from Indiana University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University Northwest.

Sigma Chi Journey

Don was initiated at DePauw University before transferring to Purdue his sophomore year and affiliating with Delta Delta.  Brother Fesko remarked, “I was nervous when I went to the house to start meeting the members to see if Delta Delta and I would be a good fit.  The first person I met was Dave Omholt.  He was captain of the baseball team and two years older than me.  He made such a positive impression on me that I knew right then I wanted to be a member of Delta Delta.  I spent as much time as I could at the house in the fall of 1991 and was so excited when I was voted in as a member.”

The Fesko family (L-R) Katie, Libby, Don, DJ and Michael.

Don continued, “Leadership, friendship and philanthropy are three areas where Sigma Chi has impacted my life.  I have met other members of Delta Delta throughout my life and there is a special bond that develops with these people.  I am honored and excited to be a recipient of this award.  The friendships I made are truly lifelong.  It is hard to believe that nearly 30 years after my graduation some amazing people from Delta Delta nominated me for this recognition.  It shows me how strong the brotherhood really is to this day.”

Family

Don and his wife, Katie, met as classmates at IU’s School of Optometry.  They have three children, DJ, a junior at Indiana; Libby, a freshman at Notre Dame; and Michael, a junior at Munster High School.  In his spare time Don enjoys playing golf, fitness training and reading, and has spent many years coaching his kids in various youth sports.

April 2023