“Engagement with Responsibility – Eight Years on the Board of Trustees of the Lukashaus”
The Lukashaus in Grabs has for many years been one of the most prominent social institutions in the region. People in need of support find not only care and guidance there, but also an environment shaped by dignity, humanity, and genuine appreciation. Over a period of eight years, I had the privilege of supporting this development as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The collaboration within the Board of Trustees during this time was exceptionally trust-based and professional. Dr. Marco Felder would like to particularly highlight Barbara Dürr, President of the Board of Trustees and former President of the Cantonal Council of the Canton of St. Gallen. She led the Board of Trustees both personally and professionally with great prudence, clarity, and integrity. Likewise, the cooperation with the other members of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Management was at all times constructive, responsible, and characterized by mutual respect.
Dr. Marco Felder looks back with particular pride on various developments that were implemented during these years. These include, among others, the establishment of the LandschaftsSINNfonie Foundation, the construction of new facilities, the renovation of existing buildings, and the refurbishment and reopening of the publicly accessible swimming pool. These projects have contributed significantly to further improving the care, quality of life, and self-autonomy of many residents. At the same time, the Lukashaus was able to continue its development as a responsible and attractive employer.
Serving on the board of public and social institutions means carrying a responsibility toward the people who place their trust in such an organization. The many encounters with residents, staff members, and relatives have left a lasting impression on Dr. Marco Felder.
Below is the contribution by Barbara Dürr on the occasion of Dr. Marco Felder’s departure from the Board of Trustees of the Lukashaus. Dr. Marco Felder would like to express his heartfelt thanks to her, as well as to the entire Lukashaus family, for these exceptionally appreciative words and the many years of trustful cooperation.
Marco Felder steps down from the Board of Trustees
Dear Marco,
The curriculum vitae you submitted to us when joining the Board of Trustees in early 2018 initially left us speechless.
In addition to holding three master's degrees from various universities—including a doctorate—you could already look back in your mid-40s on a wealth of professional experience in national and international tax and corporate law. Universities can count on you as a guest lecturer, all in addition to your primary role as the Managing Director of a trust company. We probably didn't fully grasp every single detail of your extensive CV. However, the fact that you are a private pilot who can fly a helicopter to various appointments certainly left a deep impression on us.
Yet, we were truly and most positively surprised when we got to know you in person. We met someone who is genuinely interested in the Lukashaus, its residents, and its staff. Thanks to your open, approachable, and warm personality, you quickly settled into your duties on the Board of Trustees. I fondly remember our joint jubilee evenings, where we laughed and celebrated alongside the honorees and their loved ones. Whenever possible, you attended our Summer Night Festival and other events, accompanied by your partner and, later on, also by your young son.
As a member of the board, we benefited enormously from your vast expertise. You were our bridge to the Principality of Liechtenstein and consistently provided us with critical, constructive feedback. Despite all your commitments, you also made time for our strategy meetings and contributed significantly to the future direction of our foundation.
A lot has happened over the past few years—not just at the Lukashaus, but also in your own life, as new responsibilities and challenges have come your way. Your increased work-related travel, often scheduled at short notice, made it increasingly difficult to attend board meetings. We entirely understand your wish to step down from the Board of Trustees, because you are simply not someone who does things by halves.
In our very first conversation, you told me that you were making yourself available to the board because you wanted to give something back to society. Over these past eight years, you have truly succeeded in doing just that. On behalf of the entire Lukashaus family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And who knows, perhaps you will fly in with your helicopter again sometime—we would certainly manage to organize a landing pad for you...
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish you and your loved ones all the very best.
Barbara Dürr
President of the Board of Trustees