Foundation Leadership
Laura Schenasi - Executive Vice President
E-mail: laura.schenasi@tmmc.com
Phone: 310-517-4708
Laura Schenasi joined the Torrance Memorial family in 2001 after a successful tenure as a fund-raising professional at her alma mater, the University of Southern California.
"Laura's fund-raising experience is an asset that has proven invaluable," said Sally Eberhard, senior vice president, Torrance Memorial Medical Center. "Her knowledge of capital campaigns and the acquisition of major gifts is critical as we continue to fund the medical center expansion so that we may provide for the growing needs of our community."
Before joining the Torrance Memorial team, Schenasi served as the director of major gifts with the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. She was responsible for identifying and soliciting gifts of $100,000 or more for orthopedics, neurosurgery, the Institute for Genetic Medicine and the Violence Intervention Program. Schenasi has more than 25 years of experience initiating and implementing development campaigns for nonprofit organization. She has done significant work in restructuring and reinvigorating major gift programs, building campaigns, donor recognition programs and planned giving work with individuals and family foundations.
"I'm pleased that I have a hand in making a difference in my community," Schenasi said. "I grew up in the South Bay, and now I'm rearing my own kids here. I take great pride in my role at this outstanding medical center. I work hard everyday for my family - and yours - so that in a time of need from illness or injury, or a time of joy, such as the birth of a baby, Torrance Memorial is ready to provide the best Health Care possible for all our families."
Judith Gassner - Director of Major Gifts & Corporations
E-mail: judith.gassner@tmmc.com
Phone: 310-517-4704
As Director of Major and Corporate Gifts for the Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation, Gassner is also is in charge of the hospital's annual giving program, the Ambassadors.
Gassner joined the Health Care Foundation in September, 2001 serving in various development positions throughout her tenure. In addition to cultivating and stewarding donors and foundations, Gassner has forged corporate partnerships, established community alliances, served as a liaison with volunteer support groups, worked closely with hospital leadership, Foundation Board of Directors and physicians, organized and obtained underwriting for hospital events, and reinvigorated the Ambassadors Program; developing successful strategies to increase membership and philanthropy.
"Through strong partnerships with donors who demonstrate vision and dedication, Torrance Memorial offers a commitment to medical and patient care that is second to none. It is a privilege to be part of an institution that provides comprehensive and exceptional compassionate care."Gassner comes uniquely qualified for her position. Prior to joining the Health Care Foundation, she worked as Director of Promotion for the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of conductor Seiji Ozawa, and the Boston Pops Orchestra with composer and conductor John Williams. Working with guest artists, conductors and soloists, Gassner organized symposiums; arranged guest lectures and master classes, worked with critics and journalists, and was involved with symphony publications, youth concerts and community outreach programs.
A native of Maine, Gassner received her B.A. in Art History and Russian Literature from New York University and has served on the boards of cultural and educational institutions.
Joseph Ward - Director of Gift Planning
E-mail: joe.ward@tmmc.com
Phone: 310-784-4843
Torrance resident Joseph Ward joined the Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation in 2005 as director of Gift Planning. Ward assists individuals with making charitable donations that provide retirement income and tax savings.
"We are pleased to have an experienced planned giving professional who can assist donors with charitable, financial and estate planning services that can optimize a donor's retirement," said Laura Schenasi, executive vice president, Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation. "Joe offers expertise and ongoing stewardship to donors who would like to develop planned giving opportunities such as charitable remainder trusts." Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts, or CRTs, provide impressive financial results by offering an income stream, tax deduction and a donation that benefits Torrance Memorial for years to come. Ward also assists donors with additional giving opportunities that provide income, contributions and tax savings such as bequests, charitable gift annuities and estate planning.
According to Torrance Memorial's volunteer Professional Advisory Committee member Ted Hanasono, Esq., CPA, CRTs are particularly beneficial when a person has property that has appreciated significantly. "It provides both an income stream and substantial tax deduction by avoiding capital gains at the time the trust is created and saving on future estate taxes," said Hanasono. Formerly assistant director of Planned Giving at the University of California, Los Angeles, Ward was responsible for securing gifts campus-wide by working directly with donors and development officers. Ward holds a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from California State University, Long Beach. In addition, he completed the UCLA Professional Development Program. He is a member of the Planning Giving Roundtable of Southern California.
Lisa Takata - Special Events Coordinator
E-mail: lisa.takata@tmmc.com
Phone: 310-891-6605
In November 2007, Lisa Takata came on board with the Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation team as Special Events coordinator and Patrons Program manager. In this dual role, she coordinates Foundation meetings and special events. She also manages the donor stewardship and amenities program, including the Patrons Program. Takata offers a wealth of experience through positions at UCLA and Toyota, as well as volunteer involvement in local community organizations.