Our Story

Our organization actually began decades ago. We were officially founded in 1993 as Conemaugh Health Foundation. We were the philanthropic arm of the hospitals of Conemaugh Health System. In September 2014, Conemaugh Health System was purchased by Duke LifePoint Healthcare. At that time, Conemaugh Health System became a for-profit organization. Months later, on March 1, 2015, the Conemaugh Health Foundation was reborn as 1889 Foundation, a completely independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Our Staff

Susan M. Mann
President

Debra Costlow
Director of Programs & Development
Wendy Reitnauer
Director of Finance
Barbara Hull
Administrative Assistant

Our Board of Directors

  • Trevor Anderson
  • Scott Becker,  Chairman
  • Kim Craig, Treasurer
  • Bruce Duke, III, MD
  • Michael Kerr, Secretary
  • Lauren Presser, Esq.
  • Frank Quitoni
  • Sarah Redding, MD
  • John Saracena, Vice Chairman
  • Michael Smith
  • Susan Williams, MD
  • Alanna Wilson

Ex-Officio Member

  • Susan M. Mann, President

Our name reflects a rich history, built on our foundation.

Our name instantly connects our foundation to two things that are central to our community’s rich history: the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, and the hospital born from the world’s generosity after that great disaster. It is appropriate that the name 1889 Foundation reflects the history and the spirit of giving that created and maintained the Conemaugh Health System for more than a century.

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