40 Under 40

• Mark worked with the legal department at OhioHealth Foundation to redraft the organization's MOUs, developing reporting dashboards in partnership with prospect management, leading probate and testamentary gift acceptance efforts—managing the receipt of over $1,000,000 since taking over the process.
• Mark also developed fundraising campaign case and solicitation materials for the $10M Dublin Cancer Center project and increased the number of community partner organizations supporting cancer care from 7 to 13.
• When at Ohio State, Mark developed a series of professional development workshops for fundraisers to learn the basics of planned giving and how taxes, planned giving vehicles, and professional advisor relationships work. His workshops were then developed into online modules for fundraisers to better access remotely.

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

While in undergrad, I was involved with Ohio State's Dance Marathon student organization, BuckeyeThon, raising money for Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Though I initially wanted to become a physician, I found the field of philanthropy more enjoyable than the urinalysis course I was taking, and decided to pursue a career in nonprofit development.

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

Healthcare philanthropy is the perfect blend of my passions for personal finance, medicine, and helping others. I'm not sure I could ever stomach some of what our healthcare heroes manage daily, but helping members of our community ensure those heroes have the resources they need to expertly do their jobs while providing an incredible patient experience is the way I've found I can best contribute to the bettering of our world.

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

Several years back, I had the opportunity to join Ohio State's Estate and Gift Planning team. Specializing in planned giving and learning how to facilitate the gifting of complex assets was a tremendous opportunity and has become a true passion of mine.

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

My first job was as a Laboratory Assistant at Mt. Carmel West Hospital in Columbus, OH. I checked specimens into the lab, printed off labels, and helped with the ordering of tests. The job taught me the importance of paying attention to the details and an appreciation for getting things done right the first time.

5. What are your future aspirations?

Our work is unquestionably vital to the advancement of healthcare and the betterment of our communities. It would be a privilege to one day lead a foundation in pursuit of those goals.
 
Find Mark on LinkedIn.