BW alumni drive philanthropy strategy at The MetroHealth Foundation

The MetroHealth Foundation is turning to Baldwin Wallace University alumni to help drive an ambitious new strategic plan forward.

Two of three appointments to the foundation's expanded leadership team, which is charged with steering philanthropy, communications and finance and operations, are BW graduates.

BW-educated nonprofit leaders

Michelle Wood, MBA '09, (pictured left), who earned her master's degree from BW, is The MetroHealth Foundation's new chief operating officer, as well as executive director, philanthropy finance and operation, for The MetroHealth System's department of foundation and system philanthropy.

A 19-year health system veteran, Wood currently manages foundation operations, including accounting, audit, investment, governance and risk management activities. Her expanded role adds responsibility for the department's information management systems.

Mary Wilson Wheelock '96 (pictured right), a magna cum laude BW graduate, joins MetroHealth from the ALS Northern Ohio Chapter, where she served as executive director for nearly 11 years. In her new role as The MetroHealth Foundation's executive director, philanthropy, Wheelock will create and provide strategic leadership of a comprehensive philanthropy program.

"BW taught me to think outside of the box," Wheelock commented. "We were encouraged to try everything, and that instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit that's become the cornerstone of the work I'm doing today."

Telling an 'amazing story'

The pair of BW alumni joins Rita Andolsen, who was named executive director, philanthropy communications. Together, the trio will work to "enhance awareness, drive engagement and stewardship, expand the donor base and maximize the financial and data integrity support structure," according to a news release.

"The addition of these executive-level positions strengthens our entire team, helping to shape and advance MetroHealth philanthropy," said Gareth Vaughan, The MetroHealth Foundation board chair and president & CEO of The Albert M. Higley Company. "MetroHealth is a national leader in healthcare innovation, and we have an amazing story to tell."

Transforming community care

The MetroHealth Foundation has committed to raising $150 million, including $40 million for capital improvements and $110 million for programs and endowment by 2023. The efforts will support The MetroHealth System's work to lead community transformation as it prepares to open the new $1 billion MetroHealth Glick Health Center in October.

As a part of that initiative, a historic $42 million gift from Bob and JoAnn Glick is being used to support MetroHealth programs that align with the Glicks' passion for improving community health, especially for women and children.

"I'm confident that my well-rounded education at BW and experience as a nonprofit leader will serve me well as we work to support our organization's vision for health equity," Wood said.

About The MetroHealth System

The MetroHealth System is redefining health care by going beyond medical treatment to improve the foundations of community health and well-being: affordable housing, a cleaner environment, economic opportunity and access to fresh food, convenient transportation, legal help and other services. The system strives to become as good at preventing disease as it is at treating it.