Meet Foundation Board Member and Community Leader, Charles Gund Jr., CPA

Please share why you became a Baptist Foundation board member. Why is Baptist important or special to you?

I first became a board member in the early 1990s when the late attorney Wright Moulton asked me to get involved with the Lakeview Center Foundation board. Eventually, Lakeview Foundation and Baptist Foundation merged, and it evolved from there. I’ve been the Foundation board treasurer for many years now. It was always an important part of the culture at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund and still is, to participate in community activities and give back. It’s also important to highlight the impact that philanthropy has on the hospital system in helping achieve its goals. Hospital margins are tight. The hospital would need to generate $100 million in gross revenue to net the same amount that the Foundation raises in a normal year.

What would you like Baptist team members (employees) to know about you — your experience, background, education and family?

I’m a rare Pensacola native, born and raised. I went to Spring Hill College in Mobile, where I met my wife. After we got married, we moved back to Pensacola and I joined Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, a firm my father started 80 years ago. I officially retired at the first of the year after 40 years and now work part-time as a firm consultant. I have four grown children and two grandchildren. One of my sons just moved back to Pensacola and is now continuing the Gund family legacy at Saltmarsh.

Please share a Baptist Way moment or experience that you, a friend, or loved one experienced at Baptist (a positive story that reflects the Baptist culture).

A couple of years ago, we had a family event that required a trip to the emergency room. We parked in the wrong place at the old campus, and at that time, getting around there was confusing. We met up with a physician in the parking lot, and he walked us to the ER. It was pretty remarkable at the time. But that’s the Baptist culture – when someone looks confused or lost, your team members will stop what they’re doing and walk them to where they need to go. It’s very impressive.