RALEIGH, N.C. (March 20, 2009) – WakeMed Health & Hospitals today announces Jack Radford has been named executive director of the WakeMed Foundation. Radford’s first major fundraising project is the $20 million Just for Kids Kampaign to support the addition of Wake County’s first Children’s Hospital on the fourth floor of the new patient tower currently under construction on the WakeMed Raleigh Campus.
“We were looking for a leader like Jack who has the energy, enthusiasm, creativity and confidence to lead the Foundation through its fundraising efforts – especially in these uncertain economic times. Jack knows this community well and is a strong advocate for WakeMed and our patients’ needs. These qualities make him an ideal choice to lead the Foundation,” commented Judy O’Neal, senior vice president of public affairs.
Radford began helping WakeMed with grant applications in 1998 on a consultant basis. Then in 2004, he was brought on board to support the development of WakeMed’s grants program and to establish the WakeMed Grant Research & Development Office. Over the past 3.5 year period, under Radford’s leadership, the office has secured more $12,960,000 for WakeMed projects including the pediatric asthma and diabetes programs, the medical simulation center, the CapitalCare Collaborative, and the establishment of the Advocates for Healthcare in Action, a collaborative of 34 organizations who are working in support of healthful eating and physical activity in Wake County.
“We are thrilled to get a person of Jack’s dedication, caliber, energy and enthusiasm to lead the foundation. With his knowledge of WakeMed and its mission for the community as well as his managerial skills and background, we believe he can lead the foundation in achieving its goals for now and in the future.” commented Tom Oxholm, chairman of the WakeMed Foundation.
A native of Raleigh, Radford has worked in the nonprofit field for most of his career. He holds an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a master’s in divinity from Duke University. As an ordained United Methodist Minister, Radford served 13 years as a church pastor before starting a nonprofit business providing consulting and development services to nonprofit organizations in fields as diverse as education, arts, human services, religion, and health care. Developing a niche in health care Radford has helped hospitals in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina fund programs and projects to help meet their patients’ needs.
Radford is also very active in the community, serving in numerous leadership roles. He has served as board chair of the Urban Ministries of Raleigh, The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, and Theater in the Park; co-chair of Habitat for Humanity Jubilee Village; vice-president of the Raleigh Country Club; VIM Reynosa, Mexico mission project leader; and board member of Food Runners Collaborative.
Radford will be working closely with the Foundation Board, Campaign Cabinet and Karen Zelden, director of major gifts, to meet the $20 million Just for Kids Kampaign fundraising goal. Zelden joined the WakeMed Foundation in October 2008 after serving as the director for client development and marketing for Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan.
About WakeMed Foundation
WakeMed Foundation is the charitable resource for WakeMed Health & Hospitals, supporting the health system in its commitment to providing quality health care to all citizens of the community. The WakeMed Foundation is dedicated to building support for WakeMed Health & Hospitals through leadership development, fund raising and educational awareness as the health and hospitals system meets the needs for quality health care programs and services for all citizens of the community.
In 2004, the Foundation had $4.8 million in assets and raised $1.5 million in annual giving. Today the Foundation’s assets total nearly $20 million. Annual and capital campaign gifts in 2008 currently exceed $4 million. Campaign 2011, a campaign to raise $50 million by 2011, donations have grown from $6.3 million to $22 million. The first phase of the $20 million Just for Kids Kampaign that supports the construction of Wake County’s first Children’s Hospital is nearing completion and includes $1 million in gifts from WakeMed’s employees.
About WakeMed Health & Hospitals
WakeMed Health & Hospitals, one of the first hospital systems in the country, is a private, not-for-profit health care organization based in Raleigh, N.C. The 870-bed system comprises a network of health care facilities throughout Wake and Johnston Counties, including: a Level I Trauma Center and tertiary referral hospital and rehabilitation hospital in Raleigh, a community hospital in Cary, comprehensive outpatient centers and freestanding emergency departments in North Raleigh and Apex, seven outpatient rehabilitation sites, two skilled-nursing and outpatient facilities, a 100+-physician multispecialty practice, and home health services. The system includes accredited Chest Pain Centers and Joint Commission-certified Stroke Center. Throughout the system, there are an additional 60 beds under construction and 41 newly approved by the state. WakeMed also provides management services for Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC. Centers of excellence include cardiac and vascular care, women’s and children’s services, physical rehab, emergency and trauma, orthopaedics, neurosciences, home care and numerous wellness and community outreach programs. WakeMed’s team of 7,000 nurses, technologists and medical support staff and more than 1,000 affiliated physicians serve the residents of North Carolina using the most advanced technologies and facilities to ensure the finest in health care.
