2019 40 Under 40 Winners

1. In Kristen's first months leading AdventHealth’s Foundation West Florida, she is working to create consistency across each Foundation board of directors -- no small feat for more than five boards that operate differently.

2. As market vice president of the American Heart Association (AHA) Tampa Bay, Kristen led the development team to $1 million of new growth in revenue -- one of only a few markets in the country to do so.

3. Kristen led the AHA Tampa Bay Heart Ball campaign to be one of the top 5 in the country, growing revenue by 48%.

4. She was a member of Leadership Tampa Bay's class of 2019.

1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

I was introduced to health care philanthropy through the Association of Fundraising Professionals and started my career at All Children’s Hospital Foundation. I will forever hold that organization in my heart as I not only grew professionally but was able to find my purpose at a young age. I always said, “If you are having a bad day, walk the halls of a children’s hospital.” I learned so much from those strong patients who had so much life to be lived and for that, I am incredibly grateful that I chose health care philanthropy right out of the gate.


2. Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?

My eyes were opened at All Children’s Hospital. I realized that if you are lucky enough to be driven by a purpose, if you’re able to build strong relationships with community leaders and donors, that you can make an incredible impact for your organization, community and ultimately a patient’s life. When I can build a strong staff and donor relationships, and take them through the journey of identifying a need and allowing them to be a part of the solution, it becomes a dream come true and that is why I chose health care philanthropy as my career. 


3. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.

While at the American Heart Association, I landed my dream job: VP of the Tampa Bay market. I had an amazing team, we were exceeding goals, and we had incredible community leaders invested in our mission and work. Then I was approached for an entirely different opportunity with AdventHealth. Now, after just celebrating my first anniversary with the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida, I couldn’t be prouder. What was a daunting career move has turned into the most gratifying, exciting position I have ever held. Taking that leap of faith was the best decision I could have made for my career journey. 


4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?

My first job was at my mom and dad’s business, Carriage Trade Dry Cleaners. At the time, I was not excited about the job duty of washing clothing, and the schedule was tough on my parents who were always working throughout the week and on weekends. But that job shaped me into the career woman I am today and was extremely critical in my career development: from watching my parents build a company from scratch, which went on to become the number one dry cleaner in our community, to my independent mother who ran the operations yet always made sure to have dinner on the table. I learned to work hard for what you want and what you believe in, that family is your number one, and to never give up. 


5. What are your future aspirations?

I want to continue to make a difference in this world by helping those in need. My favorite part of my job is leading a team and connecting donors to their philanthropic passions. If I can continue down this path of being blessed with opportunities that include building a team, forming team cultures and creating successful infrastructures, then I will continue to be fulfilled.