2022 40 Under 40 Winners

In her role with Graham-Pelton, Megan has provided strategic counsel and assistance to numerous healthcare institutions in the last five years, including major children’s hospitals and large health systems.

She holds a master’s degree in strategic fundraising and philanthropy from Bay Path University, where she wrote her thesis on the Giving Gap, exploring effective connection between annual giving and major gift programs.

Megan is a frequent presenter of webinars for AHP, CASE, and other organizations.

Before joining Graham-Pelton, Megan held front-line fundraising positions at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and the University of Chicago.

After a few years of working in university advancement, I was looking to make a change to grateful patient fundraising. Ive always been fascinated by healthcare, so I began my healthcare philanthropy career at a health system when I relocated from Chicago to Philadelphia. That experience enabled me to work with grateful patients and clinicians, which I found personally and professionally gratifying. Since then, I've been fortunate to partner with countless organizations as a consultant.

After I had the opportunity to work directly with patients, families, and their caregivers, there was no going back! Witnessing the impact philanthropy has on medicine and healthcare, and the lives of many as a result, is meaningful and motivating on a personal level. As a consultant, theres nothing more inspiring than seeing your client be bold in setting their aspirations and succeed.

The most crucial step in my career thus far was deciding to leave an in-house position to become a consultant. After feeling uncertain about what to do next, I considered leaving the development profession altogether. Thankfully, collaborating with a fundraising consultant intrigued me, and I decided to explore consulting as a potential next step. By joining Graham-Pelton, I was pushed to take risks, operate outside my comfort zone, and trust my expertise on a daily basis. Working with such dedicated, world-class colleagues and clients has been the best reward.

My family is undoubtedly my greatest passion. Becoming parents to our son has been the most fulfilling job to date. Advancing healthcare is also a shared passion for our family. I supported my husband through 10 years of additional medical training as he prepared to become a bariatric and MIS general surgeon. Together, we are both driven to help people live healthier, longer lives. 

I would tell them to soak up any experience they can get and immerse themselves in the work. Even the smallest project and/or interaction with a colleague or mentor can impact the trajectory of their career. There are many avenues to choose from for making a lasting impact. Sometimes it takes time and a little trial and error to figure out the best fit, but each experience will prepare them for the next one.