40 Under 40

Kate Kiser

IU Health Foundation
Indianapolis, Indiana

Why is a 40 under 40 winner

  • Kate led the integration of eight databases and business operations of ten separate hospitals to unify IU Health philanthropy across Indiana. Her efforts have enabled a 300%+ yearly fundraising increase since inception
  • She serves as vice president of the Indiana Diaper Bank’s board of directors, helping provide supplies for families in need
  • Kate has shared her knowledge with the sector as a presenter on AHP webinars and at the AFP ICON conference

Q & A

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

Purpose and mission have always been important anchors in what interests me about a role and an organization. My nonprofit background was focused on donor services and research with cultural institutions. But in 2012, I had the opportunity to join Methodist Health Foundation and found that the people there were called to this work in a values-driven, authentic way that resonated with me. During the interview process, I realized that healthcare philanthropy had significant impact on health systems, patients, and families; I wanted to be a part of that important work.
 

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

While at the Methodist Health Foundation, I experienced a leader transition that created a pivotal point in my career journey by providing me the opportunity to see what effective, values-based leadership looks like. Under the compassionate and inspirational mentorship by this leader—Laura Pickett—I was challenged and encouraged to develop and grow my own brand of leadership. Her mentorship and generosity helped me become the leader that I am today; allowing me to take risks, pause to rest, seek excellence, and to amplify my team’s and peers’ meaningful work every chance I get.


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

To aspiring 40 Under 40 recipients: I can't wait to see what you do for healthcare, communities, and patients! Don't forget to rest along the way. A piece of unsolicited advice that I can offer you is to look outside the healthcare philanthropy industry/best practices, and consider other industries when designing solutions or strategies in your area of expertise. Deploying this tactic has helped motivate me and has helped me create interesting possibilities in team management, workflow design, and culture building efforts.  
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Fun Fact:

I am loudly passionate about women's health. Specifically, access to quality prenatal and postpartum care for all women. I’m interested in helping build safe and inclusive villages for women, and I think that healthcare providers and health systems can play a critical role in that construction.