40 Under 40

• Courtney was one of MedStar Health’s first participants in the Leadership Development Residency Program with AHP from 2017-2019, presenting on her research topic of Philanthropy Powered by Gratitude at the AHP International Conference in Washington, DC, in 2019 
• She helped create the infrastructure for the $200 million capital campaign at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, redesigned the Raiser’s Edge data system as a single database, developed an innovative approach to gift processing, recording, reporting, and acknowledgment
• She was nominated to serve as a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) Committee at MedStar Health to represent the organization in its Equity and Inclusion focus

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

I have always had a passion for the healthcare field because my mom is a nurse. Early in my career, I was looking for opportunities to work in healthcare that aligned with my skill set and passions. I applied for an entry-level philanthropy job MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and fell in love. As a philanthropy coordinator, I was exposed to all aspects of healthcare philanthropy and knew that operations would be my career path. I could combine my passion for helping to advance clinical care while helping to build an infrastructure to support our philanthropic partners. Eight years later, I am still with MedStar Health and even more passionate about working in healthcare philanthropy.  
 

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

After a year and a half of working at MedStar Georgetown, my personal life was about to take me from DC to Baltimore. I knew I wanted to stay in healthcare philanthropy, and I knew I was interested in moving into an operations role. There was one opening in the philanthropy department for a database manager, though I didn’t have the skillset yet for the position. I was fortunate to meet with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Bruce Bartoo, and express my passion and interest in the job and he encouraged me to apply. The team took a chance hiring me into the role, and I have never looked back. I am so grateful that I was able to learn and grow in such a wonderful team and organization.


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

One piece of advice I would give to an aspiring 40 under 40 candidate is to advocate for yourself. Whether it be for a particular job you are interested in, a skill you want to learn, or if you want to be nominated for this honor. You don’t know the answer unless you ask the question.