Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker is among four new members Indiana University Fort Wayne has appointed to its Community Advisory Board, effective immediately. 

Tucker was sworn in in April as the 37th Mayor of Fort Wayne and the first Black female mayor in the city’s history. Prior to becoming Mayor, Tucker served as executive director of Vincent House, Inc., in addition to being the City Councilwoman for Fort Wayne’s 6th District, a position she held from 2020-2024 as the first Black female to hold that position. She has also previously been elected to Allen County Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. 

“IU Fort Wayne plays a critical role in our city and throughout our region by training and preparing healthcare professionals through exceptional and inclusive educational opportunities,” Tucker said. “Theymake our communities stronger, help our neighbors stay healthier, and better prepare our workforce for the future. I strongly believe that both IU Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne community benefit when we work together.”

In addition to Tucker, the new Community Advisory Board members are:

• Jon Beidelschies, who was appointed the Executive Director of Northern Indiana VA Health Care System in June. Beidelschies brings extensive experience in healthcare administration to the Community Advisory Board, including the past 15-plus years within the federal service. 
• Andrew Gritzmaker, who has served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne since 2022. A Fort Wayne native, Gritzmaker has more than 15 years of experience in health care and nonprofit leadership with a focus on health and community service.
• Angie Zaegel, who has served for the past eight years as the President and CEO of Neighborhood Health, which provides comprehensive, high-quality and affordable healthcare services to residents throughout northeast Indiana. Currently, Zaegel is leading the organization’s Oxford Clinic Project, a nearly $20M campaign that will bring needed healthcare services to southeast Fort Wayne.

“We could not be more pleased to welcome four amazing new Community Advisory Board members. Each plays a critical role in driving community health, leadership and service forward throughout our region,” said Dr. Deborah Garrison, inaugural vice chancellor and dean of IU Fort Wayne. “Their insights as members of the board will be invaluable in helping ensure we continue to educate, train and inspire the next generation of health professionals while serving our community.”

In addition, IU Fort Wayne announced the Community Advisory Board’s officers for 2024-25:

• Chair – Jean Hershberger, Retired
• Vice Chair – Stephen R. Smith, Former CEO and Treasurer, Allied Physicians

For a full listing of the members of the Community Advisory Board, visit the IU Fort Wayne website.