Inspiration from the 2023 40 Under 40 Class

Since 2018, AHP has celebrated the young professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare philanthropy with our 40 Under 40 recognition program. Every year we are inspired by their passion, determination, and positivity. We’d like to share a few words from the 2023 40 Under 40 class about why healthcare philanthropy matters to them. We hope that you will be as inspired as we are.

We asked, “why did you choose to make healthcare philanthropy your career?”

"I have seen what it means for someone to be scared with a diagnosis and not have the means to get treatment. Through philanthropy in healthcare, we can change that. I love being an advocate for people."

—Liz Welborn

"When I walk down the hallways of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and I see the sick kiddos, I want to do everything I can to make their experience a little bit easier. Whether it’s working with a company to sponsor our toy drive at Christmas, partnering with a general contractor to hide a life-size Peyton Manning at a next-door construction site, or raising funds for our school program, I want my career to focus on helping the good days outweigh the bad days for our patients and families."

—Jennifer Loepker, MHA

"Throughout my career, I have always had a strong desire to help those in need. Working for the foundations has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that the community’s support has in ensuring the highest quality care for patients. Norton Healthcare has provided life-saving care to my mom, a two-time cancer survivor, my husband and sister-in-law, both cancer survivors, and my brother-in-law, a brain aneurysm and stroke survivor. I am forever grateful for the donors and supporters who allowed access to the technology and equipment needed to care for those most dear to me."

—Jennifer Metro

"Health is paramount to a fulfilling life. What could be more meaningful than working with passionate clinicians, scientists, and healthcare teams to accelerate breakthroughs and advance innovations to save the lives of patients and their loved ones through the power of philanthropy?"

—Mischa Mueller, CFRE, MA

"My greatest passion is ensuring our 100% locally owned and operated hospital is able to serve our rural community for many more years to come. According to UNC Sheps Center, 152 hospitals have closed since 2010 and North Carolina is number three in the country for most rural hospital closures. I never want to see our hospital name on this list or witness our community lose access to quality healthcare."

—Amanda Thompson

I am deeply passionate about improving treatment options for patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. The cancer treatment my mom received in 2018-2019 was good–it gave us more time with her–but it wasn’t enough. And yet, her treatment was better than what was available even just a few years before. I have seen how donations can accelerate research, and I want to help increase philanthropic investment so that my boys have as many years with me and with my husband as possible. I want the thousands of families who face diagnoses each year to have more time with those they love. I want to help find cures.

—Katie Colhoff, MBA, CFRE

Meet the rest of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.  

40 Under 40 is sponsored by