Susan Holt Assumes Leadership of Philanthropic Development

In August 2008, National Jewish Health welcomed Susan Holt as the new Vice President for Development. Susan brought 25 years of experience in philanthropy at major academic medical centers, including Vanderbilt University, Case Western Reserve University and the Weill Cornell Medical College. Most recently, she was senior Vice President of Philanthropy Services at Kent Creative, Inc. in New York City. In January, between frequent trips to New York, Los Angeles, and many other cities, she answered a few questions about joining National Jewish Health, her goals, and what it has been like the first few months on the job.

 

Q: What spurred you to leave a successful career in New York City for Denver and National Jewish Health?

A: Initially, I was drawn to the renown of the leading pulmonary and other programs in the world and the research of its faculty, which has an enormous impact on the health and well-being of people around the world. After visiting, I was very impressed by the kind of care delivered here. The extraordinary leadership and amount of time spent helping each patient, the attention paid to patients and their families, and the obvious concern faculty and staff have for their well-being are unlike any other place I have visited or worked. I welcomed the opportunity to join this close community of very dedicated people. So, I happily traded skyscrapers for the Rocky Mountains!

 

Q: Any first impressions?

A: That National Jewish Health is one of the best kept secrets among the pillars of American health care. We need to change that. My goal is to elevate knowledge and appreciation throughout the nation and even internationally for what National Jewish Health contributes to advances in patient care, science and medicine. Our development team, stationed throughout the U.S., is already hard at work on that.

 

Q: You came in August, and the stock market falls off a cliff in October.  Did you wonder what you had gotten yourself into?

A: Well, yes, it's a tough time to start a new job, but this is an extraordinarily trying time in all segments of industry, including the philanthropic industry. All not-for-profit institutions face enormous challenges; some more than others. 

National Jewish Health remains strong, with growing clinical revenues and an immensely devoted community of friends and donors. Nonetheless, we must articulate better than ever the distinctive impact and needs of National Jewish Health. 

Disease does not discriminate, nor does it abate during stock market turmoil. Our patients' needs are just as urgent as ever, even more so as job security crumbles. The momentum of our research cannot slow. We need the support of our friends more than ever, and we must reach out to new sources of philanthropy.

 

Q: Has the Bernie Madoff scandal affected National Jewish Health?

A: The good news is that our rigorous investment rules prohibit us from investing in risky firms, such as his, so we had no direct losses. The bad news is that many of our loyal friends and foundations did, so they are unable to support us as they have in the past.

 

Q: What is your outlook for 2009?

A: During hard times, people reassess what is most important in their lives.  Fortunately for National Jewish Health, good health is at the top of almost everyone's list - and when it comes to compassionate care and research, National Jewish Health is one of the best philanthropic investments out there. This recession will end, as has every other one in history. Until it does, we have to tighten our belts, work extra hard and keep telling our story. We'll hit our 110th anniversary this year, and we'll still be a world-class institution on our 210th birthday.