Our Mission
When you support the AdventHealth West Florida Foundations, you help us provide whole-person, compassionate care to AdventHealth patients and their families.
The AdventHealth West Florida Foundations support programs and services throughout the following local hospitals: Carrollwood, Connerton, Dade City, Heart of Florida, Lake Wales, North Pinellas, Ocala, Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.
It is with your help that we are able to fund lifesaving projects that benefit you, your loved ones, and our community.
Your contributions:
- empower us to help more people live their best, most vibrant lives.
- help us build new facilities, fund leading-edge technology, and develop groundbreaking ways of treating illness and disease.
- enable us to provide complete care that heals what hurts, eases minds, and lifts spirits.
Your generosity heals.
Meet our Fundraising Team
- Nicholas Burgess
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Executive Director
AdventHealth Dade City and Zephyrhills Foundations
Nick is a graduate of the University of South Florida and a Florida native. Born and raised in Zephyrhills, the Pasco community has always been his home.
Early on in his career, Nick was a Partner Account Director for the Fortune 500 Company, CA Technologies (now Broadcom Inc.). In his role, he cultivated relationships with the company’s strategic partners and was responsible for a 144-million-dollar quota, which his team successfully reached year after year.
Most recently as Director of Operations for Bahrs Construction, Nick grew the business to a record high of 5.8 million in 2022, up 107% from the prior year. This role helped Nick develop his management skills, overseeing a team of 29 construction professionals. He also obtained his Florida Building Contractors license (CBC) which has been a lifelong personal goal of his, having come from a family of contractors.
Faith-driven, family-centered and goal-oriented is the best way to define Nick. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kassidy, and their two Australian Shepherds, Wrigley and Remington, and spoiling his nieces and nephews. He also loves to cook. When not cooking for his family, he can be found competing in BBQ competitions.
nicholas.burgess@adventhealth.com
13100 Fort King Road
Dade City, FL 33525
- McKenzie Doll
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Executive Director
AdventHealth Carrollwood Foundation
AdventHealth Connerton
AdventHealth Tampa Foundation
McKenzie is a collaborative and passionate team player who is driven by AdventHealth's mission to bring whole-person, compassionate care to the greater Tampa Bay area. She is a strategic thinker who puts relationships at the forefront of everything she does.
Most recently, McKenzie served as the Senior Director of Development for the Tampa Bay Heart Ball, supporting the American Heart Association. During her time at AHA, she managed a robust fundraising campaign that showcased her ability to exceed revenue goals, increasing the Heart Ball campaign 300% year over year in 2020 and raising $1.6M in revenue. She led, managed and built long-lasting relationships with an Executive Cabinet, which consisted of 21 community leaders and philanthropists. Prior to her role overseeing the Heart Ball, she served as the Director of Development for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk. In this role, she managed a large fundraising portfolio raising $1.38M, which included the Tampa Bay market’s top revenue-driving account.
Before moving into the nonprofit sector, McKenzie was Director of Strategic Accounts, Healthcare Marketing for TransPerfect Translations. In this role, she was responsible for generating and managing a $3M annual revenue goal while serving as the Global Account Lead for multiple Fortune 100 corporations, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Merck. Out of 4,000 salespeople in the company, McKenzie was awarded TransPerfect Translations’ “Outstanding Client Experience” award.
McKenzie is from south Florida and is a proud Florida Gator. She lives in South Tampa with her husband and enjoys working out, visiting with friends and family, and being a South Tampa "foodie" on the weekends.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Paulette Farquharson-Beckford
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Paulette is a familiar face in our Ocala community. Previously, she was a part of the human resources team at AdventHealth and the development and systems coordinator for Munroe Regional Medical Center’s Foundation.
Before her local work, Paulette served the Bronx Council on the Arts (New York) as membership/development director where she managed fundraising programs including major gifts, grants and sponsorships.
She holds a graduate degree in management and leadership.
- Foti Koulianos
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Foti has more than 10 years' experience in healthcare and philanthropy, starting his career as a firefighter and medic for Hillsborough County and AdventHealth North Pinellas respectively. When Foti was a medic in the AdventHealth North Pinellas Emergency Department, he was awarded the “Love Me” award by past CEO, Jason Dunkel. In 2021, Foti decided to use his healthcare background and entered the philanthropy sector as an Assistant Director of Development for the USF Health Neuroscience Institute and their Grateful Patient Program.
Foti has always found great inspiration in helping others, whether at the bedside or helping to raise money for patient-facing programs. He truly has a servant’s heart and is excited to be back at AdventHealth North Pinellas to help grow our mission and care for our community.
Foti has three daughters, Ava, Claire and Erin, a goldendoodle named Jimmie, and recently got engaged in Greece. Outside of work, he is a huge Dave Matthews Band fan, loves the outdoors, his faith and being a dad!
- Amy Mangan
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Executive Director
AdventHealth Ocala Foundation
Amy Mangan is an external affairs professional whose career has focused on creating innovative and sustainable partnerships. She has dedicated her work to identifying program and relationship needs that result in long-lasting initiatives for the communities she serves. As Duke Energy’s Enterprise Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Amy was responsible for corporate-wide engagement projects for Florida, the Carolinas and Midwest. For the past few years, her work focused on building and implementing the company’s first-ever internal engagement center of excellence. She has co-authored best practice engagement case studies and led Duke Energy’s cross-functional projects for emerging business priorities.
Previously, Amy worked as Duke Energy’s Florida Director of Engagement and Foundation, managing a team that invested over $5 million in charitable grants each year. She also led engagement strategy for key regulatory and local initiatives.
Amy is chair-elect for Leadership Florida and former Trustee for The Nature Conservancy of Florida and Board Director for Prospera USA/Florida Hispanic Business Initiative. She and her husband Mike are proud Ocala, Florida natives who enjoy spending time with their family, friends and spoiled LhasaPoo puppies. They also derive great pleasure from living in their hometown and supporting local community endeavors.
- Kristen McCall
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President
Foundation
AdventHealth West Florida
Kristen McCall is a dynamic fundraiser who has spent her career advancing the mission and values of non-profit organizations in the Greater Tampa Bay market. She has been instrumental in the development and execution of key strategies driving volunteer engagement, board development, and overall fundraising dollars. Kristen’s responsibilities include executing development planning, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities to maintain and develop the donation of funds and gifts for the division. Kristen has a proven track record of successfully identifying, cultivating, recruiting and maintaining relationships with top-level volunteers and donors.
Kristen began her professional career at All Children’s Hospital where she organized and executed annual giving programs, including employee giving and special events. Prior to her role at AdventHealth, Kristen served as the Executive Director and Market Vice President for the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay, where she developed and sustained partnerships with top companies and community leaders while raising significant funds. During her tenure, Kristen led a team of 16 and achieved a fund-raising goal of $8.2 million for the organization, resulting in a 17.9% growth year over year. Under her leadership, the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay was ranked #5 in the country.
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Tampa, and is an active member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, traveling and exercising.
kristen.mccall@adventhealth.com
14055 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Michael Melendez
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Director
Philanthropy, Grateful Patients
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Prior to joining AdventHealth, Michael served as the Director of Development for St. Luke’s Health in Houston, Texas, where he was charged with driving philanthropic resources and developing successful fundraising programs in the Northern and Southern markets of the Texas Division. Prior to transitioning to healthcare philanthropy, Michael spent 10+ years in higher education fundraising, most recently serving as the Chief Development Officer for Athletics at Rice University. At Rice, he led a team of six fundraisers and a comprehensive fundraising program that raised nearly $34 million in support of student-athletes during his tenure.
As a native of Brandon, Florida, Michael, his wife Teresa, and their daughters Camila and Gabriela, are ecstatic to return to Tampa to join the AdventHealth family.
michael.melendez@adventhealth.com
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Megan Miller
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Executive Director
AdventHealth Riverview Foundation
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Foundation
Megan believes in making a difference and giving back to her community. She is the principal fundraiser for the Wesley Chapel, Dade City and Zephyrhills hospitals and is a member of the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team. Since her graduation from Wayne State University in Detroit, she has worked exclusively for non-profits in Michigan and Florida.
Megan has an extensive history of nonprofit fundraising. Prior to joining AdventHealth, Megan served as the Vice President of Development for the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation, a public charity devoted to the Palmer’s legacy of supporting children through healthcare, character development and nature focused wellness. Megan also served as Director of Development for WUCF-Orlando Public Broadcasting, Director of Development for St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Southeast Michigan and as the Vice President of Specialized Development for Detroit Public TV.
Before coming to Florida in 2018, Megan led the philanthropy efforts for St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, where she developed the vision and strategic plan of the philanthropy program. Some of the highlights at St. Joe’s were: the creation of a regional grants/foundations program which supported five Trinity Health hospitals in Southeast Michigan, a record breaking $20,000,000 year, and celebrating the largest planned gift to the hospital.
Her warm personality, passion, ability to connect deeply with others, and her drive to succeed make her the perfect fit for Pasco County!
Megan and her husband enjoy time with friends and family and love sharing their home with their two Frenchies, Buzz and Blue.
2600 Bruce B Downs Boulevard
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
- Leigh Ann Wynn
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Executive Director
AdventHealth Polk Foundation
Leigh Ann is a seventh-generation Floridian, born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida on her family’s cattle ranch, with her roots planted firmly in agriculture in central Florida.
Leigh Ann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in Agricultural Communications from UF in 2002. After 13 years in the private sector, Leigh Ann joined Warner University as the Assistant Vice President for Advancement in 2015, raising over $28 million for scholarships, capital projects, and the Royal Fund for Excellence.
Leigh Ann and her husband JB and son Jake operate Wynn Cattle and enjoy all things outdoors. Leigh Ann looks forward to joining the team to help further the impact of AdventHealth in Polk County.
40100 US Highway 27
Davenport, FL 33837
- Sofia Zaronias
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Executive Director
AdventHealth North Pinellas Foundation
Sofia has more than 10 years of marketing, philanthropy and business development experience. Before coming to AdventHealth, she worked as an Assistant Director of Development for USF Health, helping build the grateful patient program and securing patient gifts for the OB-GYN, surgery and urology departments. She also previously worked in marketing and business development for Nestle Professional. Sofia earned a bachelor's degree from University of Central Florida and a master's in business administration from American Intercontinental University.
Sofia was born in Chicago but moved to Tarpon Springs at the age of 6 and has been blessed to live in such an amazing city. Sofia and her husband, Tony, have been married for almost 14 years and first met when they were 6 years old. They have 3 amazing children, Renee, Katerina, and Savvas. When Sofia is not working or shuttling around her kids, she loves cycling, reading a great book, the beach, and her church.
sofia.zaronias@adventhealth.com
1395 S Pinellas Ave,
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Meet the Corporate Partners and Special Event Team
- Lisa Altman
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Senior Director
Corporate Philanthropy and Special Events
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Lisa is known for her creative, results-driven approach leading large-scale events and fundraisers for clients such as Home Shopping Network, ESPN, NFL, Super Bowl XLIV, and a wide range of celebrities and local foundations.
Prior to her start with AdventHealth, Lisa worked at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Special Events and Player Development. Lisa then dove into the non-profit world at The Florida Aquarium as the Special Events Manager. Most recently, Lisa specialized in customizing unique entertainment for private, corporate, and non-profit events.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, the adjustment to the warmer climate has been an easy one. When Lisa is not at work you can find her enjoying live music, exercising on the Tampa Riverwalk, soaking up sunshine at the local beaches, or spending time with her family.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Samantha Lamia
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Manager
Corporate Philanthropy and Special Events
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Sam has always been passionate about serving others and making a difference in her community. She is excited to begin her journey at AdventHealth, and she is motivated to build relationships that will help the care team experts at local AdventHealth West Florida hospitals provide whole-person, compassionate care.
After she graduated from the University of Central Florida, with a degree in communication and nonprofit management, Sam began her career working for Second Harvest Food Bank. Throughout her eight years with the organization at two different locations in four different roles, she gained experience in product sourcing, fundraising, event planning, program management, and organizational operations. Most recently, Sam managed one of the country’s largest food recovery programs in Central Florida, sourcing over 28 million lbs. of food. Before joining AdventHealth, Sam held a marketing and community impact position at Lucky’s Market, where she oversaw their efforts for the Gulf Coast Region.
In her free time, you can find Sam enjoying time with her family at home cooking new recipes, reading the newest best-selling book, soaking up that Florida sunshine and supporting local Tampa Bay businesses.
samantha.lamia@adventhealth.com
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Tori Menneto
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Specialist
Corporate Philanthropy and Special Events
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Tori is from Buffalo, New York, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo. She began her professional career at Roswell Park Alliance Foundation in 2016, growing from an intern to a Peer to Peer Fundraising Coordinator. During her time there, she worked on an array of events such as the Ride for Roswell, a single day cycling event, Summer Splash, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer, All Star Night Gala, and the Empire State Ride, a seven day, 500+ mile cycling event across New York State. It was there she discovered her love for nonprofits and fundraising.
Tori loves building relationships with donors, fundraisers, vendors, and volunteers. She loves coordinating events, no matter the size and always looks for ways to improve the next time. When she's not working she loves spending time with her boyfriend, Tom, and two dogs, Melby and Chase. She loves traveling and is always looking for a good book to read.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
Meet the Annual Giving and Donor Relations Team
- Caitlin Eason
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Manager
Donor Relations and Annual Giving Coordinator
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Caitlin has worked in healthcare for almost 20 years. After working in various roles, she found her joy in health care philanthropy and is excited to be part of the Foundation West Florida team! Caitlin is passionate about the quality, exceptional care provided by AdventHealth and she is invested in contributing to the continuous growth and improvement of services offered to our community. Caitlin was born and raised in Tampa and loves spending her free time with her husband and son, going to the beach, watching live theater, and being active in the community.
caitlin.eason@adventhealth.com
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Kaley Tyler
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Director
Donor Relations and Annual Giving
Foundation West Florida
Kaley is a collaborative leader who has dedicated her career to elevating the donor experience in mission-driven organizations. She has over 15 years of expertise in donor stewardship, constituent engagement, fund development, donor communications, and implementing programs that boost donor acquisition and retention.
Most recently, Kaley worked as the Director of Donor Relations & Fund Development for Atrium Health Foundation in Charlotte, NC, where she served on the senior leadership team and spearheaded a comprehensive stewardship program to support the philanthropic goals of their $500 Million fundraising campaign. Prior to this, Kaley served as the Sr. Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship for the University of South Florida Foundation, where she led a high-performing team and directed strategic programming for the university’s $1 Billion fundraising campaign.
A proud graduate of Kansas State University, Kaley holds a Master of Science in Counseling & Student Development and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies & Human Services. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.
Kaley finds her greatest joy as a wife to her husband Chris and mom to her four-year-old daughter Gemma. She enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, watching live theater, attending sporting events and comedy clubs, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
Meet the West Florida Division Support Team
- Brenda L. McGehee
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Foundation Coordinator
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Brenda received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, her corporate paralegal AA degree from the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, Ga., and a public relations certificate from the University of South Florida. For more than 20 years, Brenda worked with former Mayor Bill Poe at Poe & Associates and Poe Financial Group as a corporate paralegal, claim department director, and community and public relations director. Also in her career, Brenda has been a VP of business, community and employee relations with JPMorgan Chase and an executive administrative assistant with Memorial Hospital of Tampa.
For more than 30 years, Brenda has volunteered with the Gasparilla Distance Classic as president, secretary, and elite athlete hospitality coordinator, among other roles within the organization. Serving on the Outback Bowl hospitality committee for more than 20 years, Brenda also volunteers her time with multiple non-profits in the Tampa community.
brenda.mcgehee@adventhealth.com
14055 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Melanie Mousel
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Director
Internal Operations
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Melanie joined the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team in 2022. Melanie has almost 10 years of experience in fundraising and is honored to serve the West Florida communities through the efforts of the AdventHealth Foundation.
A native of Phoenix, AZ, Melanie graduated from Arizona State University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. The first step in her career was with the development department of the Arizona Humane Society, where she helped fundraise for programs that cared for homeless pets.
After moving to Florida in 2016, Melanie has helped raise money for organizations that improve the health and quality of life of children, families and individuals in her community. Prior to joining AdventHealth West Florida, Melanie has worked for several nonprofit organizations including Orlando Health, Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
When Melanie is not working, she enjoys watching the Buccaneers, making sourdough bread, and spending time with family and friends.
- Jennifer Russ
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Executive Director
Operations and Philanthropy Services
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Jennifer joined the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team in 2020. Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, including developing comprehensive annual giving and grateful patient programs, donor acquisition and pipeline strategies, and donor stewardship programs to engage donors and friends.
Jennifer has worked with a variety of non-profit, higher education and health care organizations including Florida Atlantic University, Augusta University and Health System, UF Health and the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, Jennifer spent four years with Ruffalo Noel Levitz as a consultant with higher education and health care institutions around the country. Jennifer is passionate about the exceptional care provided by AdventHealth and the impact that it has on our communities.
Jennifer received her B.S. in Political Science, International Relations from West Chester University and her M.A. in Organizational Management and Development from University of Phoenix.
Jennifer enjoys traveling, live music, reading, movies and spending time with family and friends.
jennifer.russ@adventhealth.com
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Evan Smith
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Director
Philanthropy Services
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Evan Smith is an innovative professional with experience in project/program design, integrated communication campaigns, partnership cultivation, impact fundraising and organizational leadership. Much of Evan's career has been centered around developing new territories as a launching team member of startup nonprofits, with his past few years oriented towards leading organizations scaling for long-term growth.
He began his career at a branding agency in Atlanta, Georgia, serving as a liaison between clients and the design team. He then transitioned into the nonprofit sector as a project manager for the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, an organization driving collaboration between 100’s of stakeholders to address homelessness. Following this role, he served as the Director of Faith Partnerships with Community Resource Network, focusing on the mobilization of churches to identify faith-based resources and equip volunteers in response to regional at-risk families. Prior to joining the AdventHealth West Florida Foundation team, Evan was the Executive Director of Love INC of Metro Tampa, a scale-up nonprofit activating a network of faith community partners to transform the lives of neighbors experiencing complex social issues. During his tenure, Love INC achieved 53% growth in multi-year investments and secured its largest major gift ever.
Evan is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a degree in Communication, Public Relations and he received a Master of Arts degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Most importantly, Evan is married to his beautiful wife Shelby and they are blessed by their daughter Virginia. They are avid runners and enjoy exploring new restaurants around town, preferably those off the beaten path with eclectic menus.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
- Anya Wynn
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Coordinator
Internal Operations
AdventHealth Foundation West Florida
Anya has been with AdventHealth for 15 years retroactive from the Dade City acquisition in 2018. She has held many roles during her tenure at Dade City some of them include: an Accountant with the Finance team, Contract Administrator and most recently the Executive Assistant for the Administration Office at Dade City. This role has enabled Anya to work closely with her four executives by supporting the various projects and being the face of the community when called upon.
She is thrilled to transition to the new role with the West Florida Division Foundation Team and is looking forward to supporting the work in making our hospitals thrive.
She has been married to her loving husband Will for 18 years and they have four wonderful children Nicholas, Benjamin, Marley and Olivia. Anya is originally from Miami but was raised in Tampa, she has been raising her family in Dade City for the past 16 years. Anya cares for her community as the President of her Youth Ministry program and has been mentoring youth for her church for the last 23 years in various roles. She loves learning new things, going to live concerts, being in nature, taking on a new fitness challenge, crafting and just being with her family.
10455 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33637
Team Announcements
- Kaley Tyler, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida | New Director
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We are excited to announce Kaley Tyler, as AdventHealth Foundation West Florida's new director for donor relations and annual giving!
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career so far?
My professional career has been dedicated to elevating the donor experience in mission-driven organizations. I am fueled by gratitude and finding solutions for organizational success. Most recently, I worked as the Director of Donor Relations & Fund Development for Atrium Health Foundation in Charlotte, NC, where I spearheaded a comprehensive donor stewardship program to support the philanthropic goals of their $500 Million fundraising campaign. Prior to this, I served as the Senior Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship for the University of South Florida Foundation, leading a high-performing team and directing strategic programming for the university’s $1 Billion fundraising campaign.
What drew you to the Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving role with AdventHealth Foundation West Florida?
I have a long-standing passion for philanthropy and am drawn to AdventHealth’s mission of providing whole-person health care across the region. As Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving, I am excited to help the team achieve its fundraising goals by leading effective stewardship programs and annual giving strategies that leverage technology and data to drive results.
Relocating back to Tampa for this role is a bonus, as it allows me to be close to family and friends while enjoying the sunshine!
How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?
My 15-year career has been dedicated to donor relations, fund development, and leading teams. I have extensive experience working in campaigns and partnering with executive leadership teams to implement programs that boost donor acquisition and retention. With my enthusiasm as the new Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving, I can leverage my experiences and relationship-building skills to help the organization achieve its goals and improve health for all.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about to embark on in this role?
It’s a joy to connect people with their passions and purpose in giving back. I am thrilled to be a part of the AdventHealth culture and work alongside the dedicated professionals at the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. I look forward to the meaningful work we'll accomplish together and the goals we'll achieve as a team to make the community a healthier and happier place.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Open-minded.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?My husband and I keep very active raising our lively four-year-old daughter. Helping her grow and develop into her unique person is a privilege I cherish every day. We love traveling together and impromptu weekend getaways. I also enjoy music and performing arts, attending sporting events and comedy clubs, and relaxing at the beach.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I lived in Tampa for twelve years before my three years in Charlotte. I’m eager to renew connections with friends, explore new areas of the city, and engage in giving back to the community!
Please congratulate Kaley yourself by sending her a message! She would love to connect your passion and purpose in giving back to the community.
Learn more about AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.
- Leigh Ann Wynn, AdventHealth Polk Foundation | New Executive Director
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We are excited to welcome Leigh Ann Wynn as AdventHealth Polk Foundation’s new Executive Director.
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?
When I graduated from University of Florida (UF), the next day I moved straight to Sebring, Fla. and began marketing and merchandising Everglades Foods products to Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Publix and other stores across the Southeast. I learned so much in this role over the next 10 years that when I left, the owners told me I had gained the title of Corporate Manager – unbeknownst to me! From there, I moved into agricultural real estate and financing with the Land South Group in Lakeland, Florida as the Senior Vice President of Business Development. I went on to receive my real estate and mortgage licenses, all while learning about this important service for the agriculture industry.
After so many years with for profit business, I felt called to transition into the nonprofit sector. I joined Warner University in Lake Wales in 2015 as the Assistant Vice President for Advancement. I spent the last nine years raising funds totaling around $40 million for student scholarships, capital projects including the turf football field, Tye Athletic Performance Center and Swindle Agricultural Complex.
What drew you to the Executive Director role with the AdventHealth Dade City & Zephyrhills Foundations?
I was contacted about this role by a gentleman who I respect very much, and he asked me to take a look at it. And it did not take long to realize what an amazing organization AdventHealth is! Everyone I met has been warm and welcoming. When I researched and found that the organization’s beliefs are aligned with mine, it was a perfect fit.
I was also born in the Lake Wales hospital, and we'll just say my dad has visited a "time or two" for ranching incidents over the years, so I feel a strong connection to that Polk Foundation campus.
How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?
All my experiences over the years have helped prepare me for this new role, not just my previous fundraising role at Warner. Development is focused on relationships and people – connecting people to what they are passionate about by building a relationship with them and matching that passion with a project to support. My degree from UF is in public relations, so I bring an emphasis on raising awareness to the role. Every day, I want to share the good news of what AdventHealth offers to our community!
What are some of the things you’re most excited about embarking on as the new Executive Director?
What I am most excited about as I embark on this new role is meeting all the PEOPLE!
I love people. That includes the physicians and staff at both AdventHealth Lake Wales and Heart of Florida hospitals, my new fellow team members, the Polk Foundation board, community members who support us and the dear patients this is all about. I am eager to see how I can help, what projects are most needed at the hospitals and how we can work together to reach our goals!
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
I'd like to say funny, but that may set me up for high expectations, so we'll go with genuine.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?I am a seventh-generation cattle rancher as my family has been ranching in Central Florida for many years. My husband and I operate Wynn Cattle and this is what keeps him busy every day (and only keeps me busy in the evenings paying bills). So on the weekends, we love riding through our cows, checking them and feeding them with our son Jake.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I'm ready to get started!
Please make sure to welcome Leigh Ann yourself by sending her a message! She would love to explore ways you can partner with the AdventHealth Polk Foundations to provide exceptional whole-person care in our community.
- Megan Miller, AdventHealth Riverview & Wesley Chapel Foundations | Executive Director
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We are excited to celebrate Megan Miller as she transitions her role as executive director for the Dade City and Zephyrhills Foundations and begins as executive director for the new AdventHealth Riverview Foundation. She will continue as executive director of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Foundation.
In this role, she will spearhead building a portfolio of major philanthropic donors supporting AdventHealth Riverview hospital, the exciting new addition in the West Florida division, scheduled to open in 2024. Megan will work to establish relationships with local philanthropic leaders, c-suite corporate partners and community champions.
Megan joined the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team in 2021 and brings an extensive history of nonprofit fundraising experience into her roles. Her warm personality and ability to connect deeply with others allows her to contribute significantly to our mission of delivering world-class, whole-person health care, close to home.
Connect with Megan to make an impact in Riverview or Wesley Chapel.
- Michael Melendez, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida | New Director
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We are excited to announce Michael Melendez, as AdventHealth Foundation West Florida's new director for philanthropy, grateful patients!
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?
I’m relatively new to health care as I spent much of my career in higher education, more specifically college athletics fundraising. I originally aspired to become an athletic director at an NCAA Division I institution and the path to that role is traditionally achieved through fundraising. I had the privilege of being a part of tremendous fundraising and revenue generation teams at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ and my alma mater Florida State University, prior to leading my own team of fundraising professionals at Rice University in Houston, TX. While I wore numerous hats during my college athletics administration career, my love for developing authentic relationships with individuals and families to help facilitate philanthropic impacts blossomed while at Rice. A personal health care experience in February 2020 sparked a desire to serve in health care and charted a course that would eventually lead me to my first role in health care fundraising at St. Luke’s Health in Houston.
What drew you to this position at AdventHealth Foundation West Florida?
First and foremost, the values of AdventHealth align with my own. I’m proud to work for an organization that cares deeply about the communities and individuals it serves. The grateful patient role is a new one and I was deeply drawn to the opportunity to build something special alongside the tremendous Foundation team and our phenomenal clinicians at our hospitals throughout the West Florida division.
How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?
I helped develop a grateful patient program while at St. Luke’s Health and am confident that the lessons learned in that process will benefit me as I take on this role. I also believe my leadership experiences in higher education fundraising provide me with a unique perspective on how to collaborate with multiple constituent groups to achieve desired outcomes.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about to embark on in this role?
88% of donations to hospitals are made by grateful patients and their family members, which speaks to the fact that the majority of individuals who have an exceptional care experience desire to give back philanthropically in honor of their care. I’m excited to step into this newly created role to help build a best-in-class grateful patient philanthropy program that helps to highlight our amazing clinicians and provides avenues for grateful patients and their families to make meaningful gifts back to the hospitals.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Authentic.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?My wife Teresa and our two daughters, Camila and Gabriela, are my world! We love to get outdoors as much as possible and are excited to get out to our beautiful bay area beaches, something my wife and I experienced throughout our own childhoods! I also love to play golf and will look to get out and walk nine holes whenever the opportunity presents itself. I can get around the course a little bit so if any of our wonderful AdventHealth West Florida supporters are ever in need of a fourth in their local tournament, I’m not hard to find!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I grew up in Brandon and much of our family calls Central Florida home. We are thrilled to be back home in the bay area and look forward to setting roots and investing ourselves into the community!
Please congratulate Michael yourself by sending him a message!
Learn more about AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.
- McKenzie Doll, AdventHealth Hillsborough Foundations | New Executive Director
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We are excited to celebrate McKenzie Doll, our team member since 2021, as AdventHealth Hillsborough Foundations’ new executive director!
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?
I started my career in the for-profit world but have always known my calling was to work in the not-for-profit space. Before coming to AdventHealth, I worked for the American Heart Association (AHA) where I raised funds for cardiac programs and research within the Tampa Bay community. AHA really opened my eyes to some of the critical health disparities going on in our local community, and I knew there was more work that needed to be done. That journey led me to AdventHealth. Our Foundation has given me the opportunity to partner with local philanthropists to drive real, tangible change for our patients and the overall health of this community.
What drew you to the executive director role with AdventHealth Hillsborough Foundations?
The executive director works closely with our Hillsborough county hospital leaders to identify, strategize and implement projects and programs that are powered by philanthropy. In this role, I will be able to work with Foundation board members, community leaders and donors who understand how transformational philanthropy can be in the healthcare space, and together, we can touch the lives of thousands who are impacted by our care at AdventHealth.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about embarking on as the new Executive Director?
One of the things I’m most passionate about is engaging the next generation of philanthropists in the Tampa Bay area. As a millennial myself, I know wholeheartedly the innate feeling of wanting to “do good” for our community, whether it is donating my time, talent or treasure to a cause I care deeply about.
I’m already working on some networking opportunities and fundraising events to engage young professionals, families and volunteers in Hillsborough who can rally together to positively impact the health of Tampa Bay and leave a long-lasting legacy for generations to come.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Genuine.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?My husband, Will, and I are very active in the South Tampa community and love spending time with family and friends every chance we get. We love biking Bayshore on the weekends to soak in the Florida sun, being “foodies” and trying all the new restaurants in town and volunteering with our local church. We also have three “fur babies” at home, who we love deeply!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Just how excited I am for this next chapter as the executive director, working to deliver world-class health care, close to home. There is a wonderful opportunity in our community to ensure more people receive the whole-person, compassionate care they deserve.
Please congratulate McKenzie yourself by sending her a message! She would love to explore ways you can partner with the AdventHealth Hillsborough County Foundations to provide exceptional whole-person care in our community.
Learn more about AdventHealth Carrollwood Foundation.
Learn more about AdventHealth Connerton Foundation.
Learn more about AdventHealth Tampa Foundation.
- Nick Burgess, AdventHealth Dade City & Zephyrhills Foundations | New Executive Director
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We are excited to welcome Nick Burgess as AdventHealth Dade City & Zephyrhills Foundations’ new executive director!
We recently had the chance to sit down with Nick to learn more about his background, family and passions! As a lifelong resident of the community, he is wonderfully positioned to advance our mission of delivering world-class health care, close to home.
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?
My professional career has spanned from dispatching over-the-road truck drivers and selling software to Fortune 500 companies to most recently being a general contractor for a local construction company. I have learned and sharpened skills from each opportunity that I have been given, which I believe will allow me to perform effectively in this new role.
What drew you to the executive director role with the AdventHealth Dade City and Zephyrhills Foundations?
I grew up here and this area has been the only home I have ever known. This role will give me an opportunity to give back to the communities I grew up in.
How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?
In dispatching trucks across the country, I learned to be very organized. In selling software, I learned to communicate, sell and close deals. In running a construction company and being the general contractor, I learned to manage a team. And growing up here I have cultivated relationships with members in this community. All this combined has prepared me for this role.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about embarking on as the new executive director?
I am most excited about the relationship development. I love to talk with people, learn about them and see how we can be mutual partners and help each other grow.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Hungry. Not literally, I do love food, but I am hungry to learn, hungry to grow professionally and hungry to succeed in my role because if I can succeed that means growth and improvements for my community.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?I love to BBQ; my best friend and I have done some BBQ competitions on the Florida circuit. Yardwork is never ending, or my wife will usually always have a honey-do list. At night I like to unwind with some video games. My family is very important to me and if it is Sunday night you can usually find me at my parents' house for dinner where my mom will have hopefully made spaghetti and meatballs.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am happy to be a part of this organization. Everyone I have met so far has been so welcoming and you can tell they are truly happy to be here. That is just so refreshing to see. I look forward to everything that is to come!
Welcome Nick yourself by sending him a message! He would love to explore ways you can partner with the AdventHealth Dade City and Zephyrhills Foundations to provide exceptional whole-person care in our community.
Learn more about AdventHealth Dade City Foundation.
Learn more about AdventHealth Zephyrhills Foundation.
- Amy Mangan, AdventHealth Ocala | New Executive Director
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We are excited to welcome Amy Mangan as the new executive director for AdventHealth Ocala!
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?
I’ve been fortunate to work with dedicated leaders to develop long-lasting partnerships for organizations and communities. Most recently, I served as Duke Energy’s Enterprise Director of Stakeholder Engagement, responsible for corporate-wide engagement projects for Florida, the Carolinas and Midwest. Previously, I led Duke Energy’s Florida Stakeholder Engagement and Foundation teams that invested over $5 million in charitable grants each year.
I currently serve as Leadership Florida’s chair-elect. I am a former board member of The Nature Conservancy of Florida and Prospera Hispanic Business Initiative. All three of these organizations have positively shaped our state for the better.
What drew you to the Executive Director role with AdventHealth Ocala Foundation?
My husband, youngest child and I were born in this hospital. Through the years, my family has been cared for by our outstanding healthcare professionals. Both of my children and my husband are alive because of AdventHealth Ocala – having received care for diabetes, epilepsy and an emergency heart catheterization, respectfully. My late parents also received compassionate care from our hospital. I’ve seen the positive impact that occurs when healthcare professionals provide wholistic care for patients and their caregivers.
How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?
I’d like to think this has given me a front-row seat to witness compassionate care, not only for those who receive exceptional service from our hospital, but also by our impressive teams who wake up every day with a mission-driven purpose. As a mother, wife, and daughter, I’ve sat in a hospital room grateful for those who care as much about my loved ones as I. Now, this is my chance to give back and create sustainable resources for a healthcare system that’s helped my family.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about embarking on as the new Executive Director?
I can’t wait to connect donors to a cause that is meaningful to them and also helps our hometown hospital! I’m equally excited to work with our AdventHealth Ocala teams and Foundation board of directors. My first greeting to each of these groups will be a heartfelt “Thank you” for their servant hearts.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Connector.
When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?
Most mornings begin with my husband, Mike, and I reading multiple newspapers while two LhasaPoo puppies fight for prime seating on our laps. I enjoy reading, writing, and taking frequent visits to downtown restaurants and stores owned by friends with big hearts and talents. Mike and I are proud supporters of The Reilly Performing Arts Center and the Marion Theatre, the latter where great classics are shown. Ocala has it all! Speaking of movies, we belong to a 20-year-old Movie Club with a group a friends who have given us great happiness in fellowship over film. Evenings usually offer us a chance to call or Facetime our two adult children and future son-in-law, the perfect ending to any day!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve seen the goodness in AdventHealth through the people who work here. They make a difference and I’m so grateful to be a part of this special family.
Learn more about AdventHealth Ocala.