NFMMC announces appointment of Marie Kropp Smothers to board of directors

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced the appointment of Marie Kropp Smothers to its board of directors. Smothers brings more than three decades of philanthropic leadership, nonprofit governance, and executive operational experience to NFMMC.

Smothers founded the Carrie Ann Cancer Foundation, which contributed significant support to cancer research and provided direct financial assistance to families navigating treatment. Her work earned her and her husband the Humanitarian Award from Lakeland Medical Center for their contributions to emergency room infrastructure.

Smothers later served as president and CEO of Waukegan Steel Sales, a structural steel fabricator serving Illinois and Wisconsin, where she led an organizational restructuring that significantly improved operational performance. She also served as vice president of American Gases Corp. until the company’s sale in 2025.

Marie Kropp Smothers (Image courtesy of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center)

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Her nonprofit leadership includes board service with the Geneva Lake Association, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Holiday Home, and Niagara Catholic High School. She led multiple major capital campaigns, including a fundraising effort for Aurora University’s Music by the Lake band shell and a long‑term funding platform for the Lake Geneva Yacht Club sailing school. Smothers also co‑chaired the Lake Geneva Wine Festival, a regional event that generated substantial tourism and philanthropic support.

In recent years, Smothers has continued her commitment to community service through support for Heart, Love & Soul, the Lewiston Jazz Festival, and NFMMC’s Premier Gala 2026.

“Marie’s exceptional record of community service, organizational leadership, and philanthropic impact makes her an outstanding addition to our board,” said Joe Ruffolo, president and CEO. “Her experience will strengthen NFMMC’s mission and our commitment to the Niagara Region.”

Smothers’ appointment reinforces NFMMC’s dedication to advancing healthcare access, community partnership, and regional development.