40 Under 40

1. Lindsay worked with her staff to create a special day of giving as part of Dayton Children's employee giving campaign. The day included everything from a food truck rally to a dunking booth with senior leaders. As a result, hospital employees contributed over $1 million during the three-year campaign.

2. During her time as executive director of Clothes that Work, a nonprofit that provides work-appropriate attire to men and women in need, Lindsay initiated a new donor cultivation strategy resulting in a 50% increase in society donors.

3. She has served as an adjunct instructor for a student philanthropy course at Wright State University and volunteers with the Dayton Foodbank's development committee, providing input on the organization's development strategy and coaching fundraising staff.

4. Lindsay played an instrumental role in Dayton Children’s largest capital campaign, which raised $27.4 million, exceeding its $25 million goal. 

1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

I was a business major in college who knew I wanted to work in a job that was not just about making a profit. At Wright State University, I found the national Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program where I was introduced to the world of nonprofit leadership. Through multiple internships and an initial career on the financial side of the nonprofit world, I realized I wanted to be in a position where I could be part of seeing the vision for what is possible and help make it happen. Philanthropy was the answer. I came to Dayton Children’s, after several years in the social service sector. When I was looking for an opportunity to grow my career in philanthropy, a former colleague, from service on the AFP board, was recruiting. The position and timing were a perfect fit from me to enter a career in health care philanthropy.


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

My experience at Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the most rewarding of my career. In fact, I often wish I had started my career here. The impact made through health care philanthropy is unmatched. I have the privilege to partner with clinicians, volunteer leaders, families and community members to make a positive difference in the lives of children today and into the future. Our work supports life-saving care, transforms outcomes and helps families through some of their scariest times. For me, the passion for healthcare philanthropy is also personal. My sister has received care at children’s hospitals from birth. Sarah and the families I’ve met, who are impacted by care received, are my inspiration.


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

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 campaign counsel, developing our volunteer leadership structure and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the campaign, while managing my own portfolio and leading a team was intense. But I gained an enormous amount of experience, knowledge and successes.


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

I started babysitting regularly when I was 10 years old (a scary thought now). This job taught me early on that when in charge, you sometimes have to say, “No,” make unpopular decisions and help resolve disagreements. This experience helped me learn to negotiate, gain buy in and deal with conflict.


5. What are your future aspirations?

In the near term, I look forward to continuing to grow my team and my leadership skills through our foundation’s next phase. My ultimate career goal is to one day lead a health care foundation. As an educator at heart, I also hope that every stage of my career and/or volunteer service provides opportunities for me to coach and help others succeed.