Founding Episcopal Health Foundation CEO Elena Marks Retires

Founding Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) CEO Elena Marks retired in September 2022, turning a $1 billion “bold idea” into a nationally recognized philanthropic organization that is changing health conversations in Texas.

Marks led EHF since its creation in 2013, when the Episcopal Diocese of Texas transferred the St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System to Catholic Health Initiatives and used proceeds to create EHF.

“We started with a bold idea to transform the way we improve health beyond a hospital system, and Elena’s vision and leadership turned that idea into a powerhouse philanthropy,” Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, also chair of EHF’s board of directors. “From the beginning, we wanted to be a different kind of philanthropy, and Elena captured the imagination we were dreaming about. But I don’t think we could have imagined in that moment where we would be now.”

Marks grew EHF’s small staff to a 30-member team. Since 2013, she has overseen more than $420 million in program investments in EHF grants, research projects, community and congregational engagement efforts, impact investing, and more. She also helped create a comprehensive strategic plan that sharpened the foundation’s focus to improve health, not just healthcare in Texas. The plan focused on working upstream to build an accessible health system that health in new ways. The final goal of the plan was developed after extensive research and focuses on investing in early child brain development programs for children ages birth to 3.

“Elena helped us be challenged by the use of actual health data and important research, and how philanthropy could use that information to address health more effectively and changed lives,” Doyle said. “Her gift to the organization will last far beyond her departure.”

Marks is confident that EHF has brought an influential new voice for health to Texas.

“The potential for EHF’s next chapter is limitless, and I really look forward to seeing where the next leader will take it,” Marks said.

(In October 2022, Dr. Ann Barnes officially assumed the role of EHF president and CEO. She is the former child health officer and senior vice president for Harris Health System, Houston.)