40 Under 40

• As a leader of the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guilds, Josh oversees and manages 32+ fundraising events per year and over 16 additional patient diversionary events. 
• Annually, Josh's efforts raise over $525,000 of philanthropic revenue to benefit Children's services. In 2019, Josh had a watershed year raising over $1.1M in event revenue due to an additional major gift of $500,000 from a private donor who attended one of Josh's events.
• From 2017 to 2019, Josh successfully secured $5.3 million to support the building of a new pediatric outpatient clinic located in Coachella Valley to help provide medical and dental services to underserved children of the region. This includes lead gifts of $3 million and 1 million from two members of the local community.

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

My first job after college was a mental health worker for Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center. I fell in love with the world of philanthropy and the plight of nonprofits to positively impact the world around them. I was given the opportunity to apply for the manager of volunteers at the Children’s Hospital Foundation. It was a major transition for me to jump into philanthropy, but it has been an amazing and meaningful experience.
 
2. Why did you choose to make healthcare philanthropy your career?

I chose to make healthcare philanthropy my career to help others and be a part of something bigger than me. I wanted to make a difference for the patients, the clinicians, the families, the community, and the love and hope we are able to help facilitate through the philanthropy we raise. People get sick of hearing me say I truly love what I do, but I do! This drives me to do better, helping to change and transform lives.

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

I had an amazing mentor and friend for seven years who was always willing to listen to my crazy fundraising ideas and encouraged me to take risks, and in turn achieve great success! Having the opportunity to be integrally involved in our largest capital campaign, to date, has been a pivotal step in my career journey. Working with our philanthropy team, developing our volunteer leadership structure and assisting with patient diversionary events, while managing my own portfolio and leading a team of volunteers was intense. I gained an enormous amount of experience, knowledge, and success.

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

My first job while in college was working for Macy’s Department Store. This experience was invaluable in my early development. I learned two simple tips that I’ve kept with me throughout my career: it is always about the customer and keep the customer happy! With hard work, dedication, and persistence all things are possible! Blessed to have so many amazing mentors guiding me towards servant leadership.

5. What are your future aspirations?

I want to continue to serve our patients, families and caregivers at Loma Linda University Children’s Health. I will also continue to contribute as a volunteer board member for organizations that are also important to me personally. To know that I helped plant a seed for those who come behind me would be the greatest legacy I could leave.