2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Since her promotion to Director of Development in 2023, Courtney has led a comprehensive fundraising strategy that resulted in a 121% increase in funds raised for Carson Valley Health, totaling over $326,000 in just two years. She spearheaded Together for Tomorrow, a high-profile capital campaign supporting the hospital’s renovation project. The campaign is mobilizing community support around a $1 million goal to enhance local healthcare infrastructure. 

Courtney co-founded and currently leads Project Prom of Northern Nevada, a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual event providing a memorable prom experience for adults with developmental disabilities, promoting inclusivity and community involvement. 

She was nominated for the 2025 Record Courier’s Remarkable Women Awards in the Woman to Watch category and invited to serve on the DAISY Committee, where she helps recognize and honor outstanding nurses.

I got into healthcare philanthropy somewhat unexpectedly but wholeheartedly. I began working at Carson Valley Health in 2016 as the Foundation Coordinator, and it didn’t take long for me to realize how powerful philanthropy could be in a healthcare setting. Seeing firsthand how donor support directly translated into better equipment, expanded services, and improved care for patients in our rural community sparked a deep sense of purpose in me. Within my first 90 days on the job, I knew this was what I wanted to devote my career to.

I chose healthcare philanthropy as my career because it allows me to combine my passion for community service with a deep commitment to improving people’s lives in a tangible way. Working in a rural healthcare setting, I’ve seen how every dollar raised can directly impact patient care. What drew me in—and keeps me here—is the opportunity to be a connector. I get to bring together generous individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to make a difference, and help them see how their support transforms healthcare in our region.

Healthcare philanthropy is meaningful work with measurable outcomes, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

A major pivot point in my career came in 2022, when I made the decision to take a one-year break from full-time work to go back to school and complete my bachelor’s degree. It was a leap of faith—I had just spent several years building experience in healthcare philanthropy, and stepping away felt risky. But I knew that if I wanted to grow into a leadership role and make a greater impact, I needed to invest in my education and long-term goals.

During that year, I completed 21 courses in 12 months while continuing to consult for Carson Valley Health Foundation on major events like our annual golf tournament. That balance of continuing to contribute while pushing myself academically solidified my commitment to the field and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

That decision set the stage for what came next: I returned to Carson Valley Health in 2023 as Director of Development, earned my CFRE, and completed my MBA. It was a defining moment that transformed my career trajectory and gave me the confidence and credentials to lead with vision and impact.

My greatest passion is fundraising—not just as a profession, but as a way to create meaningful change in the community I love. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that a well-executed fundraising effort can turn compassion into action. That passion extends beyond healthcare. I co-founded Project Prom of Northern Nevada to provide an unforgettable prom experience for adults with developmental disabilities, and I’ve served on boards like Tahoe Youth & Family Services. Helping build a more vibrant and connected community is what drives me.

Start by building genuine relationships—because healthcare philanthropy is about connecting people to purpose. Understand your organization’s mission and your community’s needs. Be ready to wear many hats and stay curious. Especially in smaller or rural settings, flexibility and perseverance are key. And above all, never lose sight of why you’re doing the work—you’re helping improve lives and strengthen your community. Lead with that purpose, and the rest will follow.