Ambassador Profile

Louis J. Gehring, CFRE

Lou Gehring is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Shawnee Mission Medical Center, supporting campaigns, outreach programs and numerous other efforts that enhance the health of the community. Lou joined the Foundation as Fund Development Executive in 1995 and became Executive Director in 2003.  Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as Director of Constituent Relations and Annual Programs at Rockhurst University and Alumni Director and Annual Fund Director at Saint Mary University.  Lou holds a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University, undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans, and performance certificate from El Estudio de Arte Guitarristico in Mexico City.

Lou has served the fundraising profession on many fronts.  Joining the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in 1994, he served as President of the Kansas City chapter in 1999.  Nationally, he served on the AFP Professional Advancement Curriculum Committee and was chair of the Professional Advancement subcommittee of the AFP Strategic Planning Committee in 1999-2000.  He has served on the Job Analysis Task Force of CFRE International (which certifies fundraising professionals worldwide) and the CFRE International Exam Committee.  In 2004 Lou chaired the PSI (Philanthropic Services for Institutions) International Conference in Dallas, Texas.  He is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

Before launching his career in philanthropy, Lou taught in universities in Texas and North Carolina, performing concerts on the east coast, and spent a decade in the retail business in Leavenworth, KS.

Lou is active in Rotary International, serving as President of the Lenexa Rotary Club in 1999-2000.  He has served on the board of directors of Lakeview Village retirement community in Lenexa, chaired the board in 2007-2008, and was a board member of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce from 2004-2008. 

Lou and his wife Michelle have two children, Karl and Laura.  They enjoy cycling, camping, music, and traveling.

“The Lenexa Chamber is an outstanding organization that effectively furthers the business climate of the area, but also makes this community a great place to live, work, and play.  It’s an honor to be associated with this group of dedicated community members.”

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