A note from the co-presidents

What an incredible year 2025 has already been—and we’re only halfway through!

This year has been filled with meaningful opportunities for fundraising professionals across Southern California (and beyond!) to come together, connect, and grow—both virtually and in person.

From our educational luncheon at the Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena featuring Maria Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, to our downtown LA mixer, to our standout Second Annual Philanthropy Symposium at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego—we’ve loved seeing our community in action.

Speaking of the Symposium—it was a true highlight. Held at the state-of-the-art Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center, the event brought together more attendees than ever before. The record-breaking turnout is a powerful reminder of how much we value in-person learning, shared best practices, and the camaraderie that comes from being in a room full of passionate, like-minded professionals. As Nikki Gaitan, Senior Executive Director of Development for Health Advancement at UC Irvine Health, shared, “the day allowed me to look at the big picture, while also providing tools for what we can develop.”

We’re proud that your SCAHD membership continues to deliver such meaningful value. Our Board is made up of dedicated fundraising professionals who know firsthand how important it is to have space for connection, mentorship, and professional development. That’s why we’re committed to evolving and expanding our offerings to support more fundraisers like you across the West Coast.

There’s still so much to look forward to this year—more virtual learning, more opportunities to gather, and more chances to grow together. We’re excited to bring you the very best in content and connection to help you thrive in your work.

And mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss our Annual Meeting on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:30AM at the San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles. Join us to celebrate, network, and learn from a true pioneer in healthcare philanthropy, Bill Littlejohn. Plus, we’ll be sharing a very special announcement that you’ll want to be there for!

We can’t wait to see you at the upcoming webinar, mixer, or the Annual Meeting. Thank you for everything you do to advance healthcare and support your communities. Your work matters-and we’re honored to be on this journey with you.

With gratitude and excitement,

Yuri E. Casco, CFRE and Elizabeth Birlet, M.S.

Your SCAHD Co-Presidents

Educational Webinar

September 18, 2025

Fees

SCAHD Members – $20

Future Members – $35

Annual Meeting

October 10, 2025

Fees

SCAHD Members – $60

Future Members – $75

SCAHD Philanthropy Symposium

Continues Impact in Second Year

Nikki Gaitan (with Bill Littlejohn)

Senior Executive Director of Development Health Advancement

UC Irvine Health

On June 26, over 65 fundraising professionals came together at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in San Diego for the second annual SCAHD Philanthropy Symposium. Focusing on various elements of strategic health care philanthropy, Senior Vice President and CEO Bill Littlejohn and team members from the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare addressed several relevant topics, ranging from system integration to artificial intelligence, from career development to planned giving.

Gennifer Billish

Associate Director, Philanthropy

Thomson Autism and

Neurodevelopmental Center

CHOC Foundation

Having attended SCAHD’s inaugural symposium last year, Alejandro Hinojosa appreciated the event’s new format, which included breakout sessions on grateful patient and grant programs. Growing up in the health care field alongside his physician father, Alejandro now serves as the 24/7 Recognition and Grateful Patient Coordinator at Eisenhower Health Foundation. One of his major takeaways was the idea of creating a custom build in the electronic medical record system so physicians can quickly enter a grateful patient referral that is sent directly to the Foundation. “We want to do everything we can to make engaging with philanthropy easier for the doctors who are so limited in their time.”

Alejandro Hinojosa

24/7 Recognition and

Grateful Patient Coordinator

Eisenhower Health Foundation

Among this year’s first-time attendees were Nikki Gaitan, Senior Executive Director of Development for Health Advancement at UC Irvine Health and Gennifer Billish, Associate Director of Philanthropy at CHOC, both of whom came to the symposium with members of their respective teams. Having previously worked in higher education and religious organization fundraising, Gennifer most enjoyed the panel discussion, which featured several physicians and how they engage in philanthropy. “It was encouraging to hear insights from doctors who want to work with the foundation and who were willing to discuss how they started their programs.”

Nikki, who describes her introduction to healthcare philanthropy as a “divine appointment” more than 20 years ago, appreciated how the day was filled with “information you could take back and implement at your organization,” such as a caregiver recognition program. “The day allowed me to look at the big picture, while also providing tools for what we can develop.”

Attendees also expressed gratitude to Bill and the Foundations at Sharp HealthCare team for sharing their expertise once again this year. “Bill is a tremendous leader, and the opportunity to hear him verbalize his experience in person is immeasurable,” said Alejandro. “He is so knowledgeable,” echoed Gennifer. “I loved hearing about how their team has engaged patients in giving to specific areas of care, and how doctors supported them in that work.”

Nikki, who will be meeting with Bill in a few weeks as her organization develops a grateful patient program, also appreciated the networking opportunities at the event, noting that she had the chance to meet colleagues in person that she had only previously connected with in virtual settings. “The event was well worth the investment because it provided so much relevant information and resources … I would definitely come again.” Alejandro is also looking ahead to future SCAHD events. “I’m hoping for a third year because there is always something new to learn,” he said. “It is great to see both familiar colleagues and new faces, and I am already excited for the next one.”

A special thank you to Laura Gallardo, CFRE, Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee Member, for conducting these interviews.

Exciting News: SCAHD Launches

Exclusive Mentorship Program with Paschal-Murray

Beau Cummings, MBA, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer &

Senior Search Consultant

Paschal Murray

We’re thrilled to announce a new chapter in SCAHD’s Mentorship Program!

Beginning this September, SCAHD is partnering with the nationally recognized executive search firm Paschal-Murray to launch a first-of-its-kind SCAHD skills enhancement program, tailored exclusively for our membership. Led by Beau Cummings, CEO and Senior Search Consultant at Paschal-Murray, this six-month program will focus each month on a core topic critical to success in today’s evolving health philanthropy landscape. Conversations will be kept confidential.

The curriculum is designed to help our members sharpen their skills, adapt to industry shifts, and elevate their impact. Enrollment will be limited to the first six SCAHD members who sign up - so stay tuned for more details coming soon. A huge thank you to Beau and the Paschal-Murray team for their partnership and leadership!

For more information about joining or if you want to renew your SCAHD membership, please email office@scahd.org.

Take your Membership to the next level! Join the SCAHD Board of Directors!

The Southern California Association for Healthcare Development is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Directors set strategy for the membership organization, provide oversight and resources, and solicit support. Because of each Board Member's commitment to all of these activities, SCAHD is better able to serve healthcare development professionals and the Southern California community. 

We accept nominations for our volunteer Board of Directors on an ongoing basis. Nominees will be elected at our next Annual Meeting in October, to start in January. The Board meets 6 to 8 times a year and additionally as needed. Board members are also expected to become members of a SCAHD Standing or Ad Hoc Committee. These committees include Membership and Engagement, Education and Programs, Strategic Planning, Mentoring, Ethics, and Annual Meeting.  

Fulcrum is offering SCAHD members a special discounted rate to ensure as many of our sector’s leaders as possible can attend and benefit from this gathering. SCAHD leader Bill Littlejohn will be honored during our Awards Reception — a special moment we hope your members will help us celebrate.

Register today!

For other Upcoming Mixers and Events reach out to hello@fulcrumleader.com.

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

At SCAHD, our mission to provide relevant, dynamic education and networking opportunities to advance healthcare philanthropy is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. If you’re interested in becoming a valued sponsor, we have a range of opportunities to showcase your brand, including virtual events, annual sponsorships, and our in-person annual meeting. Contact us for more information on how you and your organization can get involved.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact office@scahd.org.

Southern California Association for Healthcare Development (SCAHD) provides relevant and dynamic education and networking opportunities to advance healthcare philanthropy.

For questions on any of the information included in this newsletter, please contact our Chair of Communications & Marketing, Josué E. Hernández, MBA, MA, CFRE at jhernandez8@memorialcare.org.

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