Mary Beth Mikrut

As senior director of development, Mary Beth Mikrut believes that Presbyterian Homes will never forget older adults with limited financial means as it enters its Second Century of Service charitable campaign. Charged with raising $40,000,000 to increase the Geneva Charitable Programs’ endowment, Mary Beth and her team are dedicated to carrying on Presbyterian Homes’ philanthropic mission.

The Geneva Foundation was established in 2004 during Presbyterian Homes’ centennial year. Its mission is to raise funds to assist older adults with limited financial resources. However, Mary Beth has been associated with the fundraising arm of Presbyterian Homes since 1983, when she was hired as the assistant secretary to the board of directors by past chair, Dr. M. Allen Kimble. During his tenure, Dr. Kimble successfully raised funds for the Geneva Charitable Programs and increased the endowment.

Since that time, Mary Beth has been responsible for raising funds for operational and capital projects for the Geneva Charitable Programs and supervising the Geneva Foundation staff. She created the New Founders Society, which was the first planned-giving society at Presbyterian Homes. Over the years, Mary Beth has coordinated special events, publications, and identified and cultivated major gift prospects. 

Prior to her joining Presbyterian Homes, Mary Beth was a founding member of “Light Opera Works,” Illinois’ only professional light-opera company. She was also employed at Northwestern University in alumni relations and reunion giving.

Mary Beth is a graduate of Northwestern University and is completing her master’s degree in liberal studies at Lake Forest College in May 2010. She enjoys biking, knitting and traveling. She and her husband, Chas, live in Evanston with her two children.