WHO WE ARE

Our Story

Samuel Nathan Regenstrief: Visionary Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Samuel Nathan Regenstrief, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded the Regenstrief Foundation in 1967. Born in Vienna and raised in Indianapolis, he built successful careers in accounting and management consulting. He later became vice president of Philco's refrigeration division in Indiana.

Revolutionizing the Dishwasher Industry

In 1958, Sam started his own company, Design & Manufacturing Corporation, in Connersville, Indiana. At a time when only the wealthy could afford dishwashers, Sam recognized that affordable dishwashers could become a household essential. With his expertise in efficient process engineering, he revolutionized the dishwasher industry by mass producing affordable dishwashers. D&M became a major player, producing 37% of the world’s dishwashers by the mid-1970s.

A Vision for Efficient Health Care Delivery

Nationally recognized for his expertise in industrial production, Sam believed applying similar approaches to health care delivery could improve care and reduce costs. In 1969, he partnered with Dr. John Hickam at the Indiana University School of Medicine to establish Regenstrief Foundation and Regenstrief Institute for Health Care.

A Legacy of Innovation

While initially operating as one entity, they became separate organizations in 2002. Regenstrief Foundation continues to invest in the Regenstrief Institute, as well as other grantees performing innovative research to improve health care systems, and in doing so, address issues of health equity.

Since 1969, we have distributed more than $200 million to support centers of excellence, prioritizing highly impactful initiatives to improve access to health care for all. We remain committed to building on Sam Regenstrief's vision, fostering creativity, adaptability and tangible results in our supported initiatives.

We work to honor Sam and Myrtie Regenstrief’s legacy every day by funding pathways to better health for all people. This video shares the story of our founders and celebrates the innovations made possible through their generosity—and the ones still to come.

Regenstrief: Legacy of the Dishwasher King

Download the PDF for the detailed story.

Our Mission and Values

PURPOSE

To improve the efficiency and equity of health care for the global population.

MISSION

Regenstrief Foundation’s mission is to support innovative, applied research that allows health care systems to improve effectiveness, efficiency, quality and equity in the delivery of health care.

VISION

Sam Regenstrief’s vision was to bring state of the art health care to all people.

VALUES

  • Focused on serving the community, we seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

  • We are committed to impact and excellence, striving to fund highly impactful initiatives and deliver exceptional results to improve access to health care for all, fulfilling our founder’s mission.

  • We uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrating integrity and treating all stakeholders with respect and fairness.

  • We are committed to being a supportive and strategic partner, fostering a collaborative and trusting relationship

OUR TEAM

Board of Directors

  • Daniel Appel, Chairman

    CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
    Gregory & Appel Insurance

  • Allison Barrett

    SENIOR STAFF COUNSEL
    Los Angeles County Employees
    Retirement Association

  • Latoya Alexander Botteron

    PRESIDENT & CFO
    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership

  • D. Craig Brater, MD

    DEAN EMERITUS
    Indiana University School of Medicine

  • Andrea Friedman

    PARTNER
    Katz Sapper and Miller LLP

  • Christia Hicks

    CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
    Eskenazi Health

  • Lesley Olswang, PhD

    PROFESSOR EMERITUS
    Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
    University of Washington

  • Enola Proctor, PhD

    SHANTI K. DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR EMERITA
    Brown School
    Washington University in St. Louis

  • Jamie Ratner Rich, CFP®

    PARTNER
    Sapient Capital

  • James E. Tcheng, MD

    PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE
    PROFESSOR OF FAMILY MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
    ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTION, AND TENURE
    Duke University

  • Eli Isaacs

    PARTNER
    Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Our Staff

  • D. Craig Brater, MD

    CEO AND PRESIDENT

  • Robert Wingerter

    VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER

  • Susan Luse

    SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

  • Maria Dibble

    FINANCIAL MANAGER

  • Irene Jackson

    FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Financials