2019 40 Under 40 Winners

1. In 2017 and 2018, Scott and the Vidant Health Foundation established a Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund for team members. Last year alone, more than $500,000 was distributed to 227 team members.

2. The Vidant Health Foundation team has completed two extremely successful employee giving campaigns, raising more than $1 million.

3. Last year alone, Scott and the Vidant Health Foundation raised over $23 million and oversaw more than $16 million in distributed funds to Vidant Cancer Care, James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital and to team members and patients. The return on investment to Vidant Health was 693 percent and cost to raise a dollar was $.05.

4. Scott is currently pursuing his doctorate in educational leadership at East Carolina University.

1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

My first internship, while in college, was with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  It was that experience that helped me realize my desire to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.  Following my internship, I started my career in the Chamber of Commerce industry.  During that time, I developed a deeper appreciation for health care as an important foundational piece of our community and region.  When an opportunity came about to continue my career in the nonprofit sector through health care philanthropy, I pursued it.


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

I’ve always had an interest, respect, and fascination with health care and Vidant Health.  On top of that, the people who are willing to collaborate with us to improve the health and well-being of our region inspire me daily.


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

Early in my tenure at Vidant Health we had an informational booth set up at a community function. One of the visitors, who we had never met, stopped by to talk with us and noticed a picture of a very specialized piece of equipment. She pointed at the picture and shared that the piece of equipment saved her husband’s life. The equipment was purchased for Vidant with philanthropic dollars.  Needless to say, it was a very humbling experience.  


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

At 16 years old, I spent the summer working for an ice cream store at the beach. It taught me hard work, accountability, and customer service.


5. What are your future aspirations?

I want to do my part to leave my community and region in a better place than when I started my journey.