40 Under 40

• As Director of Development for the Alabama Children’s Hospital Foundation, she has helped serve as a leader, guiding her team to exceeded the hospital's annual fundraising record of $20M in 2019.
•  She created the "Morning Rounds" program for the Board of Trustees, sharing with them an opportunity to experience the hospital's mission firsthand. 
• She also adapted the junior board model into a major driving force for annual, renewable support with the "Committee for the Future" program that introduces emerging leaders to the mission of the hospital. 

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

I had the opportunity to join the Children’s of Alabama team as the Director of Development in 2013. I found it refreshing to shift from my nonprofit background with cultural institutions into healthcare. I can’t imagine a more rewarding opportunity than to play even the smallest role in helping provide the hospital team with the resources they need to serve our patients.

2. Why did you choose to make healthcare philanthropy your career?

I was drawn to healthcare philanthropy because I enjoy the fast paced energy of the hospital, the chance to learn something new every day working with medical professionals, and having an opportunity to make a difference for our patients and their families.

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

When I transitioned from managing fundraising for a small, relatively young nonprofit to Children’s, a large organization with a long history and thousands of donors our CDO Coke Matthews shared one of his “isms” for success—“Take the long view.” It was helpful to me then as I formed relationships and I find great strength in this advice today as we work to introduce emerging leaders and young donors to the mission of Children’s. We might not see the impact of our work immediately, but if we focus on building the relationship now it will translate into deep, meaningful and perhaps even transformational giving for generations to come.

4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?

I learned how to make slime through my public relations job for a science museum.

5. What are your future aspirations?

I hope to continue growing support for our patients and have the chance to see the children we serve today—grow up and do great things. Despite these difficult days, the courage of our patients gives me great hope for tomorrow.
 
Find Chandler on LinkedIn.