José Garcia joins SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis board

SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis has elected Alberici Constructors President José Garcia to its Board of Trustees. The appointment brings a construction executive and nonprofit founder with deep ties to St. Louis, community service and philanthropic leadership to the foundation’s governing body.

Why it matters: - José Garcia adds corporate, nonprofit and community leadership experience to the SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis Board of Trustees. - The appointment strengthens the foundation’s ability to support philanthropic efforts across SSM Health’s seven local hospitals. - Garcia’s background aligns with the foundation’s focus on compassionate care, service and community impact.

What happened: - SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis elected José Garcia, president of Alberici Constructors, Inc., to its Board of Trustees. - Garcia assumed the Alberici presidency in September 2024. - The announcement was made July 7, 2026.

The details: - Garcia oversees Alberici Constructors’ long-term strategy and day-to-day operations. - Alberici is a diversified general contractor operating in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. - Engineering News-Record ranks Alberici among the nation’s top 30 construction firms. - Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. - He earned a master’s degree in construction engineering management from Stanford University. - He also holds an executive MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. - Garcia founded Strong to Serve, Inc. and serves as its CEO. - The New York-based nonprofit raises money through athletic events to help orphaned children in developing countries. - Strong to Serve focuses primarily on Nicaragua, Garcia’s birthplace. - Garcia has led the nonprofit since 2010. - Garcia also serves on the board of directors for the Lean Construction Institute. - He is executive committee chair of the St. Louis American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart initiative. - Garcia is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. - He is an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow. - He has spoken as a keynote speaker for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis. - He has also served as a judge for the Moonshot Idea Awards. - SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis says Garcia’s background in leading large-scale organizations makes him a strong addition to the foundation’s strategic leadership. - Craig T. Chindemi, CFRE, vice president of philanthropy for the Missouri–Illinois Region, said Garcia’s leadership goes beyond professional credentials. - Emery Skolfield, chair of the SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis Board of Trustees, said Garcia’s professional success and dedication to service make him a strong fit for the board.

Between the lines: - Garcia’s profile combines executive management with a visible record of civic and nonprofit work. - The board appointment signals the foundation values leaders with both business expertise and local community ties. - His work with Strong to Serve and St. Louis-area organizations gives the foundation a trustee with experience in both global and local service.

What's next: - Garcia will begin supporting the foundation’s board-level work on philanthropy and community impact. - The foundation says the appointment will help it meet evolving community needs through innovation, collaboration and service. - SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis continues fundraising for its seven local hospitals, including SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Fenton, SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis, SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles, SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Wentzville, and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.

The bottom line: - SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis is adding a business leader with deep nonprofit credentials as it looks to expand its community impact.