Behind the build: Senajda Catic, project coordinator

Each day the new IU Health Fort Wayne hospital grows taller, so does the pride of those working to make it a reality. For project coordinator Senajda Catic, the work is both professional and deeply personal.

“I’ve been in this role for 10 months and it’s been amazing to see the hospital come to life,” she says. “It’s something that will impact the community for years to come. I’m really proud to play a part in that.”

Catic began her career at IU Health Fort Wayne in patient registration, later moved into quality performance and improvement, then joined the design and construction team.

“I focus on the details that keep the build on track, including contracts, invoices and vendor coordination,” she says. “When those pieces run smoothly, teams can do their best work, and we move closer to opening day.

”Working on a hospital of this scale has given Catic a front-row seat to collaboration. She partners with architects, contractors and leaders to make sure every piece comes together, from major construction milestones to the choices that shape patient rooms and family spaces.“

Being part of conversations about everything from furniture to how rooms are designed, even down to making sure families will have a pull-out couch, has been incredible,” she says. “It’s the details that bring the vision to life.”

She grew up in Fort Wayne, which makes her role on this project especially meaningful. She sees the hospital as a way to strengthen her community and bring more access to care close to home.

“I tell people all the time, opportunities here are endless. I started in registration and now I’m a part of building a new hospital. You never know where you’ll end up, but IU Health is a place where you can grow and make a difference.”

Looking ahead, she’s eager to continue growing within IU Health and has a strong interest in human resources, where she can leverage her experience to help shape IU Health’s culture, support its teams, and to continue making an impact on the organization’s mission.

When the hospital opens in 2027, it will expand care for patients and families across northeast Indiana and stand as a reflection of the people who poured their time and talent into creating it. For Catic, the most rewarding moment will come on opening day.

“I can’t wait to see patients walking through the doors,” she says. “That’s when it will all come together.”