- How did you get into health care philanthropy?
I got my start as the Annual Giving Coordinator for the Avera Queen of Peace Foundation. A year later, I was named the foundation director. Previously I had worked in community and economic development, and several contacts from that work recommended I look into a position with the hospital foundation. The opportunity at Avera blended my community connections and background in development and event planning. It was the perfect fit.
- Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?
Having grown up in a rural community much like the one I now call home, I know how important it is to have quality, affordable health care for the area to thrive. Through building relationships and community partnerships, and engaging people regionally and statewide, I am able to both serve and develop my community. Health care philanthropy is so much more than a career for me; it’s a calling.
- What has been the #1 factor in your career success so far?
I live in a very supportive and generous community and state. I come from a place where volunteering is what you do and giving is learned at an early age. In my work, I am lucky to be surrounded by colleagues, mentors, board members and donors that are enthusiastic and invested in providing great healthcare and continuing to build a great community. They are truly the embodiment of what it means to be philanthropic, by caring and wanting to help all community members well into the future.
- What is your greatest passion and why?
My passion is for living and sharing our mission to make a positive impact in the lives and health of our community members, guided by Christian values. Our work is a ministry and it aligns so well with my personal values. I enjoy spending time with our patients and staff, understanding the impact of our services and sharing in the experience as lives are changed.
- What are your future aspirations?
I want to continue to serve my community in a meaningful way and give back by helping to improve the lives of our patients. Our foundation has a wide array of programs that assist our region in accessing care. I would like to expand these programs to serve more people and add in new approaches for systemic change, getting to the root of keeping our population healthy while working with other area organizations to provide support and education on an ongoing basis.