FINALIST
Robert VanHimbergen
Johnson Controls Inc.
Robert VanHimbergen, chief financial officer of Johnson Controls Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, has made a significant impact on Columbia St. Mary’s Foundation and its Next Door Foundation.
VanHimbergen currently serves on the audit committee for the CSM Foundation board and is co-chair for the 2015 Fundraising Gala. The annual event benefits the CSM Women’s Health program. His wife, Brenda, is also a co-chair.
In 2014, the gala raised more funds than any other gala in the program’s history. VanHimbergen was not daunted, however. He set a personal goal to raise even more money this year.
VanHimbergen remains committed to his duties even though his work for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors has relocated him to Shanghai, China. He has assembled a gala advisory committee that he works closely with to help renew and find sponsor support, focus on logistics, as well as secure auction items and materials.
He also serves as chair of the finance and administration committee and is a member of the executive committee for the Next Door Foundation board.
According to Lisa Froemming, president and chief executive officer of the Columbia St. Mary’s Foundation, VanHimbergen provides strong leadership and leads by example. Though he is the youngest member of the finance committee, its members trust his leadership and look for his guidance on financial matters, agency structure and the agency’s community impact for at-risk youth.
Under VanHimbergen’s leadership, the Next Door Foundation has received two multi-million dollar federal grants, increased donations by 50 percent and achieved four consecutive years of perfect audits.
