40 Under 40

Joelleen Yerace

Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Why is a 40 under 40 winner

  • While at the University of Pittsburgh, Joelleen initiated the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni award program which celebrates some of the school’s most accomplished alumni
  • In her three years with AHN, Joelleen has overseen the development effort for a brand-new state of the art hospital that will serve the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh
  • She served on the Consultative Committee For Humanities Careers, University of Pittsburgh in 2018 and currently serves as a volunteer at Northbridge Community Church and on the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Q & A

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

Inspired by an opportunity to impact my local community, I accepted a position as the Director of Development for Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Wexford Hospital in the fall of 2018. AHN Wexford Hospital broke ground shortly after I was hired and is scheduled to open in September. It is a state-of-the-art, full-service 160 bed hospital. It will bring comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to the communities north of Pittsburgh where I reside.
 

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

After over a decade in higher education philanthropy at the University of Pittsburgh, I joined Allegheny Health Network as the Director of Development for AHN Wexford Hospital. Transitioning from higher education to healthcare was a pivotal point in my career. It has been and continues to be incredibly rewarding to watch philanthropy improve health and promote wellness in my community, directly impacting friends, family, and neighbors.


3. What piece of advice would you give aspiring 40 Under 40 recipients?

Have confidence in knowing your background, experience, and perspective can and will bring added value to decisions and discussions. Champion good ideas from colleagues. Find the good in every situation. 
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Fun Fact:

I am a very proud mother of three incredible children (ages 5, 7, 9). Together, with my husband, we love to be outdoors-exploring, hiking, biking, and playing sports!