A leader is one who exerts influence despite role or title, and Adam Haselhuhn's leadership and influence is felt throughout the UnityPoint Health–Des Moines Foundation. Between guiding policy and directing strategy for the Foundation at-large to solely leading the ongoing record-setting campaign for the John Stoddard Cancer Center, Adam's voice provides clarity, vision, and confidence amongst his colleagues. Adam's opinion is sought to be the discerning voice when direction is unclear. While Adam is charged with overseeing the fundraising efforts for the John Stoddard Cancer Center, his voice carries weight for matters that do not directly impact oncology. Adam takes initiative and steps up to provide support where it is needed, and his colleagues turn to him for advice on how to address challenges they meet in their day-to-day work. Simply put, Adam's judgement is greatly valued by all staff, from foundation leadership to interns. His presence and influence is felt across all facets of the organization. His future is very bright and additional leadership and management duties are in his future. Adam's leadership pairs well with his commitment to philanthropy. His entire career following his undergraduate education has been devoted to securing philanthropic support for nonprofit organizations, in higher education prior to working in healthcare. The ideals of philanthropy are in his DNA, as evidenced by the breadth of his work. There's hardly a function of philanthropy Adam has not had a hand in–including annual giving and direct mail, major and principal giving, planned giving, stewardship, donor relations, donor communications, and more–which clearly evidences the confidence his managers have in his ability to excel in any task handed to him. Adam is also committed to bettering philanthropy in his community by serving on various philanthropy professional associations and nonprofit boards.
I got into healthcare philanthropy, and philanthropy in general, by sort of stumbling into it. I always knew I wanted to have a job that helped people, and this has been an amazing opportunity to do just that.
I have made healthcare philanthropy my career because of my personal connection to the care provided. I've had multiple family members and friends treated for cancer and so it was an easy decision to align my career with a passion area that so many of us have a deep personal connection to. Every day my bucket is filled, and I get to help make incredible things happen for our patients and their families. It is truly an honor.
A crucial step in my career journey was making the move from higher education fundraising to healthcare. I spent the first seven years of my career in higher education so it was a big leap and learning experience. While there are plenty of similarities, they are also quite different. I'm grateful I made the leap.
My greatest passion has nothing to do with my job. I love the performing arts and in particular live theater. I think it is so important to expose young people to the transformative power of theater and the skills a young person can learn. Theater and my high school drama teacher had a major impact on my life and the skills I use each day in my work. It brings me a lot of joy and helps me be a better person and professional.
The piece of advice I would give someone new to healthcare philanthropy is to take your time. There is so much to learn about healthcare organizations, acronyms, jargon, getting lost in the hospital. You will likely feel lost and uncertain for at least your first year—and that's okay. Focus on forming meaningful relationships with the staff and build trust. That will go a long way as you develop your career in your organization.
Growing up, my family owned a movie store.