1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?
My first experience working in healthcare philanthropy was when I was hired to do public relations for a non-profit nursing home facility. Shortly after I was hired, the Development Officer position opened up and was offered to me. I was inspired by the ability to fundraise for a cause that I could see the immediate effects of the dollars I was raising. My office was located in the nursing home and I got to know many of the residents. Seeing them, and knowing that the work I was doing was helping them was incredibly rewarding.
2. Why did you choose to make healthcare philanthropy your career?
After my job at the nursing home, I felt drawn to healthcare philanthropy. I knew I wanted to do something where I felt good about the work I was doing, but I don’t think I really chose to make it my career until I left. I took a job in higher education, and while I enjoyed it, I missed healthcare. I missed seeing patients benefitting from programs or new devices, or family members enjoying a cup of coffee in a new garden. It makes me feel good to know that philanthropic dollars can take great healthcare to excellent by treating a patient as a whole person not just treating what ails them. Overall, it’s about making an impact not just fundraising.
3. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.
Moving to Columbus was a crucial step in my journey. I left a hospital foundation in Cincinnati and got a job with the American Heart Association. At the American Heart Association I worked very closely with OhioHealth. I could tell immediately that it was a great organization, doing great work in our community, and that ultimately that’s where I wanted to be. I made it a goal to not only get back to working for a hospital foundation, but that I wanted that hospital foundation to be OhioHealth.
4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?
My very first job in high school was working at Sandwich Block Deli. I learned then that I love connecting with people. It sounds simple, but that love of making connections has taken me far in my career.
5. What are your future aspirations?
Looking at my career and my future, my hope is to continue growing as a fundraiser, to continue matching people with their passions and telling stories of impact. There’s no more perfect moment than when you can find a connection between a donor’s passion and a priority in our organization. Ultimately, I think philanthropy should feel good. It should fulfill others and fill your cup too.
Find Molly on LinkedIn.