WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 21, 2011) – The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) has selected Holly H. Duncan, M.A., CFRE of Clearwater, Fla.; and Peter W. Ghiorsi, MBA, FAHP of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., to receive its highest professional recognition for distinguished leadership.
AHP, whose more than 4,800 members direct philanthropic programs for 2,000 nonprofit health care providers in North America, annually presents its prestigious Harold J. (Si) Seymour International Award to a fundraiser whose career reflects exemplary standards of excellence in fostering volunteerism and philanthropy. This year AHP recognizes two such professionals. Ms. Duncan and Mr. Ghiorsi are scheduled to receive their awards Oct. 21 during the association’s international conference in Boston.
“Holly Duncan and Peter Ghiorsi represent the highest qualities of professionalism in their philanthropic endeavors,” said William C. McGinly, president and chief executive officer of AHP. “Throughout their careers, they have devoted their creativity, knowledge and leadership abilities to helping worthy causes achieve their goals.”
Holly H. Duncan is the president and chief executive officer of Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation. Established in 1977, Morton Plant Mease Foundation provides philanthropic support to Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, and Morton Plant North Bay hospitals located on the west coast of Florida.
Previously, Ms. Duncan served as vice president for development at both the Florida Aquarium and Ruth Eckerd Hall. Earlier in her career, she functioned as director of major gifts at Eckerd College, director of development at Lowry Park Zoo and as director of development for the Florida Orchestra.
Ms. Duncan has spoken at numerous conferences for AHP, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums and the American Symphony Orchestra League.
During a development career spanning more than three decades, Ms. Duncan has raised more than $250 million for the nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. She is currently in her 15th year as president and CEO of the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation.
Peter W. Ghiorsi has devoted his entire career, a span of 41 years, to the field of philanthropy. A co-founder of Ghiorsi & Sorrenti, Inc. (GSI), he has served as the firm`s CEO since 1989. Prior to founding GSI, Mr. Ghiorsi served for 15 years at St. Vincent`s Medical Center of New York, progressing from assistant director of development to senior vice president for development and external affairs. He started his career as a development officer at Providence College, his alma mater.
After serving for several years on the AHP Board, Mr. Ghiorsi was elected chairman in 1988. He also served as chairman of the AHP Foundation. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Providence College, an MBA from the University of Connecticut and is an AHP Fellow.
AHP’s Si Seymour Award honors the memory of a trailblazer in the world of philanthropy whose career spanned a half-century of work on behalf of the National War Fund during World War II as well as Harvard University, youth and educational groups, health organizations, and numerous community service projects. His book Designs for Fundraising, published in 1966, remains the bible of philanthropic fundraising to this day.
Photos available upon request.