Bob Rundle, President/CEO of SpiriTrust Lutheran®, has announced his retirement. Bob’s official last day will be Friday, November 3, at which time Melissa Frownfelter will take over the helm as Interim CEO/Chief Operating Officer.
Bob Rundle
Bob’s intention to retire a year ago was delayed for several reasons, one of which was the complexity of challenges the organization faced coming out of COVID-19.
“I delayed my decision to retire so I could lead SpiriTrust Lutheran through the challenges that COVID-19 left in its wake. The fact of the matter is, it’s been a tough four years and I can’t give the 120 percent the organization needs anymore,” said Rundle. “It’s time for new leadership. It’s time for me to step back for the health of myself, my family, and the organization and transition to the next phase of my life.”
Bob has given more than 29 years of service to SpiriTrust Lutheran, first as the CFO from 1994-2000, and immediately following as President/CEO from 2000-2023.
“It has been an incredible journey leading SpiriTrust Lutheran over the years, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. We have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and achieved many milestones throughout the years to fulfill our mission for those we serve – none of which would have been possible without the dedication, talent, and hard work of our exceptional team members, past and present,” said Rundle.
The SpiriTrust Lutheran® Board of Directors has accepted Bob’s retirement notice with regret.
“We knew this day would be coming and the Board respects Bob’s decision,” said Robert Bowen, SpiriTrust Lutheran® Board Chair. “No doubt it is both sad and joyful news – a loss for the organization, and yet we celebrate Bob’s well-earned retirement. The Board thanks Bob for his years of service and steady leadership. He has courageously taken on initiatives that have grown and sustained the organization. He has also had to make many tough decisions throughout his tenure, often balancing competing ideas and interests on how to best deliver on the mission of the organization.”
Under Bob’s leadership, the organization went through several expansions, construction projects and transitions including:
- Construction of 42 additional cottages at The Village at Sprenkle Drive (1993-2003)
- Dedication of the newly constructed personal care residence at The Village at Shrewsbury (2001)
- Construction of additional residential living units at The Village at Luther Ridge (2001)
- Construction of Luther Ridge Manor HUD property on The Village at Luther Ridge campus (2001)
- Dedication Dedication of the newly constructed Fleck Center at The Village at Luther Ridge (2001)
- Dedication of the newly constructed personal care residence at The Village at Shrewsbury (2001)
- Dedication of the newly constructed The Village at Utz Terrace (2007)
- Construction of the Oakview Manor HUD property on The Village at Utz Terrace campus (2007)
- Opening of the LIFE program and dedication of the LIFE Franklin Center (2008)
- Expansion of the LIFE program and dedication of the LIFE Cumberland Center (2013)
- Dedication of the newly constructed assisted living/memory support residence and expanded Glatfelter Center at The Village at Sprenkle Drive (2015)
- Dedication of the newly constructed skilled care and rehabilitation center at The Village of Luther Ridge (2019)
- Transition of the closure of the skilled care center at The Village at Shrewsbury (2023)
- Transition of SpiriTrust Lutheran LIFE to Albright Senior Services (2023)
- Renovation of the skilled care center at The Village at Gettysburg (ongoing)
Other notable accomplishments include:
- Served as a founding board member of Kairos Health Systems (1995)
- Formed the SpiriTrust Lutheran Foundation (1999)
- Initiated the Annual Cornerstone Dinner (2004)
- Honored with the LeadingAge PA Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in leadership (2015)
SpiriTrust Lutheran® has contracted with Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) for Jeannine Richman, chief financial officer (CFO) of LSMNJ, to serve as a shared CFO between LSMNJ and SpiriTrust Lutheran. Frownfelter, Richman and Cheryl Irwin-Bass, Chief Mission & Culture Officer, will comprise the Executive Cabinet.
Members of the Board and Executive Cabinet will use this time of transition to engage outside assistance on a planning process to map out the strategic direction for SpiriTrust Lutheran moving forward. Periodic updates will be shared as plans are developed and further details become available.
Bob's Letter to the SpiriTrust Lutheran® Family
Last Updated: October 16, 2023