40 Under 40

• Adrian helped build the Philanthropy Department from the ground up at Trinity Health in Michigan under his role of Manager, Prospect Research and Data Analytics. He assisted with building a prospect research and grateful patient program for Trinity’s 30 foundations and 96 hospitals
• He has been a presenter at the AHP International Conference and an AFP Luncheon
• Adrian has served on the board of the APRA–Michigan Chapter, as well as the Trinity Health Philanthropy Leadership Council and Steering Committee

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

My journey into healthcare philanthropy began after a business club trip I attended in college. I had originally planned to become a Financial Analyst once I graduated but that quickly changed after this trip. The leader of the business club and I were sat together on the plane for the trip, and we started discussing job opportunities. He mentioned that his wife was currently working for a nonprofit, and there was a job opening. As a soon to be graduate eager to find a job, I jumped on the opportunity. I applied for the Donor Services Coordinator position at Sisters of Charity Health System in 2007 and began to build my career. I have grown and built upon my skillset over the years and am truly grateful to be part of such an impactful industry.
 

2. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.

A crucial step in my career was when I moved to Michigan and joined Trinity Health as their Manager, Prospect Research and Data Analytics. I applied for the role to enhance my skills in the grateful patient fundraising space and operations. I did not know much about the organization at the time, but the role I was applying for would be the first position hired at their System office working with 30 foundations and 120 major gift officers. This was a crucial step for me as it was taking me out of my comfort zone, and I was moving to a new state on my own. Taking this chance helped develop and enhance my skills, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work for one of the largest healthcare systems.


3. What piece of advice would you give aspiring 40 Under 40 recipients?

The advice I would give an aspiring 40 Under 40 recipient would be to advocate for yourself, be resilient, and take chances. I have grown leaps and bounds from initially starting my career in healthcare philanthropy as a Donor Services Coordinator to my current role. The opportunities that I have had all came about by advocating for myself and taking chances while being resilient. The world of healthcare philanthropy is full of so many different opportunities, never stop growing.