- How did you get into health care philanthropy?
I moved from Oregon to Anchorage, Alaska after graduating from college. I was working at a local non-profit, when a former colleague recruited me to work for the Providence Alaska Foundation, where I started as an Annual Giving Officer.
- Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?
I had never considered fundraising as a career, however, my degree is in Merchandising Management and I am interested in consumer and donor behavior, market analysis, and market & campaign planning and promotion. This has served me well in philanthropy. I immediately discovered that every day in health care is a new adventure – and I was hooked.
- What has been the #1 factor in your career success so far?
I attribute my career development to all of the donors, leaders, mentors, colleagues and friends who have supported, challenged, and inspired me. I was also very fortunate to be able to participate in the Providence Leadership Formation program. This program helped to define and shape my outlook on my calling and career. The lessons that I absorbed through that experience continue to guide me as I serve my organization, Samaritan Health Services, and community.
- What is your greatest passion and why?
My greatest passion is problem solving. I have always loved digging into a question and discovering ways to strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration and develop new ways of looking at challenges. I enjoy evaluating and refining processes and systems that will positively impact the communities we serve. Exciting things can happen when our development team, hospital leaders, volunteer boards, and donors are empowered to look at complex issues in our health care delivery system and think outside the box for ways to enhance services, expand programs or trial something truly innovative. Health care philanthropy involves many complex scenarios – most of which include a critical need and a funding gap. Our role is to bring people together to discover solutions that will affect people for generations to come and it is incredibly rewarding.
- What are your future aspirations?
I asked my mom to sew me a business suit when I turned three (that tells you something about me) and I have always aspired to be a role model and a leader. I have learned that even though I have a reserved temperament, and am not likely to be the one in the spotlight, my careful work can contribute to the collective success. I aspire to be someone who my organization can count on to live out our mission, carry out our strategic objectives, and embrace a vision that inspires people to care for people.