Frank Perez-Guerra: A career defined by service

Frank Perez-Guerra: A career defined by service

Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves for Frank Perez-Guerra, who spent his childhood getting to know new places. When his father, Francisco Perez-Guerra, MD, completed his Air Force service in 1974 and accepted a position at Gundersen Clinic, the family headed to their next destination: La Crosse, Wis.

Then something special happened - La Crosse began to feel like home. Frank and his siblings (a twin brother, a younger brother and a sister) attended Central High School, and Frank later graduated from Viterbo University. Even after his parents moved away in 1984, he continued to think of La Crosse as the place where he belonged.

So, after starting his career at The Northern Trust Bank in Chicago, Frank returned to La Crosse in 1990 to join Hawkins Ash accounting firm. Six years later, just as Gundersen was navigating the merger of Lutheran Hospital and Gundersen Clinic, he stepped into a dual role supporting both organizations.

"I had never forgotten how welcomed my family felt by the Gundersen community. It was a special connection," says Frank. "Later, when I ended up working here, it felt like the stars had aligned."

Frank retired on Jan. 31, 2026, after 30 years of service, most recently as administrator of Emplify Health by Gundersen Friendship Hospital. Throughout his career, he frequently collaborated with Gundersen Medical Foundation, gaining a deep appreciation for its mission and impact.

Working alongside leaders such as A. Erik Gundersen, MD; Mark V. Connelly, MD; and Sigurd Gundersen III, MD, gave him insight into how the Foundation advances medical education, research and community health. Those relationships - and the sense of purpose they inspired - made joining the Foundation's Board of Directors in June 2025 a natural next step.

Today, Frank describes himself as being in "learning mode," yet he brings a rare blend of historical perspective and openness to change. With firsthand experience in past mergers and a deep understanding of the regional system, he hopes to offer what he calls a "value added" viewpoint. He also believes strongly in what sets Gundersen Medical Foundation apart.

"The Foundation isn't just about supporting the health system," he explains. "It's about advancing research and expanding medical education in ways that strengthen care for generations. That broader mission is what makes us so special."

For Frank, serving on the Foundation's board is simply another way to give back to the organization and the broader community that have long felt like home.