Organization
HF is sustained by a diverse network of supporters, especially by the many professionals who donate their services. Financial support comes from individual donations, and from organizations such as churches, foundations, corporations and public agencies. Contributions to HF are tax deductible.
Health Frontiers was founded in 1991 by Karen Olness MD, Hakon Torjesen, and several of their colleagues at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Its work has been managed by them and a volunteer board, including family members. The HF office is located on the Torjesen/Olness family farm near Kenyon, Minnesota. HF has no paid headquarters staff.
Though founded by CWRU faculty members, HF is an independent organization. It earlier had a 15-year affiliation as a subcontractor for CWRU.
In the year ending September 30, 2007, the value of the donated professional time and travel of HF volunteers was more than $500,000, and HF cash expenses were $220,508.
The Medical Director of Health Frontiers is Karen Olness MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Family Medicine and International Health, CWRU.
Members of the HF Board of Directors are:
- President, Hakon Torjesen, Asst Professor of Global Health, CWRU
- Vice President, Helen Tomlinson PhD, Financial consultant, San Diego, CA
- Treasurer, Georgine Busch, Adviser to non-profit organizations, Kailua-Kona, HI
- John Kennell MD, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Global Health, CWRU
- Erik Torjesen MA, Faculty member, Singapore American School, Singapore
- Kristine Torjesen MD MPH, Global Health Consultant, Durham, NC
- Jennifer Wright, MBA MS, Partner, Tandem Strategy, Raleigh NC