About us
Our Mission
To assist with unmet healthcare needs, with health education, and with programs and research on preventing illness and promoting health in the Upper Peninsula.
Our Vision
To improve the health of the residents of the Upper Peninsula.
What is the Superior Health Foundation?
The Superior Health Foundation (SHF) is a nonprofit health conversion foundation that was created following Duke LifePoint’s acquisition of Marquette General Health System. It is a stand-alone organization and is not affiliated in any way with Duke LifePoint or Marquette General. Its mission is assist with unmet healthcare needs, with health education, and with programs and research on preventing illness and promoting health. That mission may include supporting (a) the unmet healthcare needs of the indigent and uninsured; (b) healthcare education programs; (c) supporting programs and research which have the primary purpose of preventing and reducing illness and disease; and (d) other programs to promote the health, education and welfare of the community
Meet Our Team
Meet our dedicated staff and learn more about each team member.
Megan Murphy
Chief Executive Officer
Megan joined the Superior Health Foundation as the CEO in 2024. She was raised in Ironwood, MI, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and international relations from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.
Laura Jarvi
Accountant and Grants Manager
A native of Negaunee, Laura received her bachelor’s degree in accounting/computer information systems from Northern Michigan University. She has been with the Superior Health Foundation since its founding in 2012.
Leah Berthiaume
Executive Assistant
Leah has been an integral part of the Superior Health Foundation since 2012. She is the face that greets you at the SHF office, always available to assist and provide a warm welcome.
Emily Ellis
Communications and Development Manager
Emily joined the Superior Health Foundation in 2022. Prior to joining the Superior Health Foundation, Emily worked extensively in the nonprofit sector, fostering connections and supporting inclusive initiatives.
Meet Our Board
Meet our Board of Directors and learn more about each board member.
Sara Giles
President
Currently the marketing director of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) and member of the Senior Leadership Team in Manistique, Sara is a native of Canada.
David Jahn
Vice President
Jahn, a native of the Upper Peninsula, has over 40 years of experience in healthcare.
Kara Katona, CPA
Secretary/Treasurer
Kara is a partner in the CPA firm of Makela, Toutant, Hill, Nardi & Katona, P.C., in Marquette.
Elise Bur
Director
Elise Bur was hired as the inaugural director of the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health in July 2020.
Fredi De Yampert, Ph. D
Director
Fredi De Yampert recently retired as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Finlandia University.
Dr. Bryan Dixon
Director
Dr. Bryan Dixon Dr. J. Bryan Dixon is a physician at the Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery.
Meghan Lane
Director
Meghan Lane of Wakefield represents Gogebic County and the western Upper Peninsula on the Board of Directors.
Dr. Scott Pynnonen
Director
Scott Pynnonen, M.D., joined the Superior Health Foundation Board of Directors on July 1, 2022.
Carrissa Rondeau
Director
Carrissa Rondeau, LMSW, BCBA/ LBA, and Founder/CEO of Functional Behavior Services in Marquette.
