2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Jodi has led The Christ Hospital Foundation’s Annual Giving program to record-breaking success, increasing dollars raised from $666,949 in FY21 to over $1.13 million in FY24, marking sustained growth each year. She played a critical role as the lead for the Project Heart ReStart campaign, raising over $500,000 to equip nearly 250 first responder vehicles with life-saving AEDs and successfully expanding the program into Northern Kentucky.

Under Jodi’s leadership, annual giving at The Christ Hospital Foundation experienced its largest year-over-year growth in FY24, reflecting her strategic approach to donor engagement and direct marketing. 

At Northern Kentucky University, Jodi spearheaded the institution’s first-ever “day of philanthropy” in 2021, surpassing the donor goal by 179% and raising $316,296—the largest single day of giving at the time. 

I got into nonprofit fundraising because I’ve always wanted my work to have a real, visible impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do every day helps improve and even save lives. That’s not something every job can offer. I started in grassroots fundraising events, then spent several years in higher ed annual giving, where I developed my skills and love for the work. Eventually, I decided to make the jump into healthcare to learn a new industry, challenge myself, and be part of a mission that makes a difference in people’s lives every single day.

I believe access to healthcare is a basic human right, and philanthropy plays a key role in making that a reality. As healthcare systems work to close the gap between reimbursements and the actual cost of delivering quality care, philanthropy helps fill that space so more people can get the care they need.

I’m really proud of the work we’re doing at The Christ Hospital Health Network. We’ve been named the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati region several years in a row, and that kind of recognition doesn’t happen without strong community support. It’s rewarding to know that I'm part of the team that helps make it all possible.

One of the biggest pivot points in my career was leaving my alma mater to step into healthcare philanthropy. I deeply loved working there. I understood the mission, the market, and what made that place so special. It was home. Walking away from something so familiar and meaningful was incredibly hard, and I wrestled with the decision for a long time.

But I was ready for growth and a new challenge. I wanted to stretch myself, learn a new industry, and see how I could make a difference in a new way. Not long after I joined The Christ Hospital Health Network, we completed our first heart transplant. That moment changed everything for me. It made me realize that even with the learning curves and uncertainty, the work I was doing was helping someone get care that quite literally saved their life. That’s when I knew I had made the right choice.

My greatest passion is leaving things better than I found them. Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to opportunities where I could step into something with potential, whether it was a developing event, a new program, or an under-engaged donor base, and help it grow into something stronger and more impactful.

That mindset guides everything I do. I hope to leave The Christ Hospital Foundation, and the broader community I serve, better than I found it. I’m also passionate about learning and using my own strengths to make a meaningful difference. For me, it all comes down to growth, purpose, and contribution.

Always remember why you’re doing this work. Healthcare philanthropy can be tough sometimes. But when you stay connected to the mission and the people you’re helping, it makes all the difference. Keep patient stories close. Talk to your care teams. Remind yourself that what you do helps save and improve lives. That’s what keeps it meaningful, even on the hard days.