2025 40 Under 40 Winners

In Fiscal Year 2024, Ellen exceeded her fundraising goal by 361%, a remarkable accomplishment that highlights her effectiveness as a major gift fundraiser. 

While serving as Assistant Director of Development, Ellen exceeded her fundraising goals for two consecutive fiscal years, securing $250,000 in one year and $500,000 the next. Additionally, in Fiscal Year 2024, she set a goal to close one planned gift but surpassed that goal by securing two planned gifts, demonstrating her ability to cultivate lasting donor relationships. 

Ellen collaborates closely with Cancer Center faculty to identify funding priorities and align donor interests with impactful opportunities, strengthening the connection between philanthropy and patient care. 

I started my career fundraising for the arts. As I was contemplating a job change, I considered what other causes I felt passionately about. Higher education came to mind as something else that felt important to me. This led me to higher education fundraising. As I was contemplating another job change, I landed in a fundraising position for an academic medical center. Being part of the opportunity to transform the health and well-being of the people in my adopted home state of North Carolina is so fulfilling, and I'm grateful my career path led me here.

I am in awe of the families I have met who translate pain into purpose through their generosity.

Managing my first giving day campaign. It was the biggest project I had ever managed, and it was cool to see it come together and achieve success. It also taught me a lot about different fundraising strategies. Achieving success with giving days also led me to my first role at UNC Health Foundation, which launched my career in healthcare philanthropy.

My family! My parents, grandparents, and siblings have instilled in me values that make up the core of who I am. These values are also what led me to a career in philanthropy - gratitude, the importance of service to others, loyalty, dependability, and showing up for those you love. I recently became a mom for the first time, and I hope to instill these values in my son also as he grows up.

Practice, patience, and persistence, and keep your organization's mission front of mind in everything you do.