Behind every successful Foundation Board of Directors is a team of passionate community members who give their time, expertise, and heart.

This profile introduces our new Board Chair, whose financial expertise, community involvement and long-standing connection to Stratford bring valuable perspective to his leadership of the Foundation.

Fritz Steigmeier

Born and raised in Stratford, Fritz Steigmeier has deep roots in the community he continues to call home. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Western University, Fritz began a career in financial planning that spanned more than 40 years. From 1983 until his retirement in 2025, he worked as a financial planner and was the owner of Fritz Financial Planning Limited.

Fritz also earned several professional designations throughout his career, including Chartered Financial Planner, Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Health Specialist.

Community involvement has long been important to Fritz. A member of the Rotary Club of Stratford since 1997, he served as Club President in 2007 and was involved when Rotary became a major supporter of the hospital's Heart & Soul Campaign, with a gift supporting the Mental Health Unit. He has also helped establish the Stratford United Way Foundation and served on the Zion Lutheran Church Endowment Fund Board.

Fritz joined the Stratford General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors in 2022 and became Chair of the Board in 2026.

Fritz's professional experience as a planner and his many years of community involvement have shaped his approach to serving the Foundation.

In the Q&A below, he shares why local healthcare matters to him, what he has learned through his time on the Board and what he hopes to contribute as Chair.

What inspired you to join the Stratford General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors?

My involvement with the Rotary Club of Stratford introduced me to the important role community support plays in our hospital. When I was approached about joining the Foundation Board, I gladly accepted. It felt like a natural extension of my volunteerism and an opportunity to continue giving back to the community.

Why is supporting local healthcare important to you?

Having a strong hospital in Stratford is important because all of us will need it at some point, whether for emergency or routine care. We need our hospital to be well equipped so its healthcare professionals have the tools they need to care for our community.

I've personally experienced that importance. Thanks to the hospital's imaging team and the quick response of the doctors, a health issue was identified and I was sent to London for emergency surgery. That experience reinforced for me the importance of having skilled healthcare professionals and advanced equipment available close to home.

What excites you most about the future of healthcare in our community?

During my time on the Board, I've had the privilege of touring the hospital and meeting some extraordinary, caring people. We have an exceptional facility, and we need to continue investing in it and keeping pace with new technology so our staff have the tools they need to do their jobs.

We have an opportunity to remain at the leading edge of healthcare, reducing the need for patients and families to travel elsewhere for care.

How would you describe your role as a director in supporting high-quality local healthcare?

As a director, I believe one of my responsibilities is to ensure that the funds entrusted to the Foundation are used wisely and for their intended purpose. Our donors and our community expect that accountability, and they deserve it.

What do you hope the Foundation will accomplish in the next five years?

Technology is evolving rapidly, and I want to see our hospital continue to have access to up-to-date equipment while maintaining privacy, protecting the importance of human connection and supporting the people who provide care.

What does success look like for you in your role on the Board?

When my time on the Board comes to an end, I hope I can look back and know that I had a positive influence and helped leave the Foundation in an even stronger position.

Ultimately, success means helping ensure our hospital has the tools it needs to serve our community today while preparing for the healthcare needs of the future.

Lightening Round

What do you enjoy doing outside of your Board work?

I love to ski and I'm trying to learn wing surfing. Music is another big part of my life. I play accordion and guitar and love to sing. In the summer, you'll usually find me in my garden.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

Go-to comfort food?

Burger and fries.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

I love the mountains in winter or summer. Banff, Alberta, is one of my favourite places.

Books, movies or live theatre?

All three!

What's the best vacation you've ever taken?

In 1978, I traveled through southern Germany and Austria. It was an amazing adventure.