Humans of Fundraising: Lynnie Meyer

Lynnie Meyer
Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Norton Healthcare

I think the world is hungry for ethical leadership and I’m committed to honesty and transparency above all else. I contribute as much as I ask my team to contribute and truly believe the work we do is an honor – that we carry the flag on behalf of our mission. And that’s important, personally and professionally.

I am a nurse by training and started my career at Norton Children’s Hospital with an associate degree in nursing at the age of 20. As my career advanced, I became CEO of a regional domestic violence, sexual assault, and family self-sufficiency program. As fundraising improved outcomes, development efforts became hand in glove for me.

I returned to my healthcare roots 17 years ago as the executive fundraiser for Norton Children’s Hospital.  My role evolved and I am now Chief Development Officer for our system. I am motivated by improved outcomes in healthcare and the impact that philanthropy plays in advancing innovation and growth. To me, philanthropy has been a perfect fit for all the things I love in community development, healthcare, and mission-driven work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a silver lining in that it shows the value and commitment of our system and caregivers to the community. Also revealed was the amazing support and generosity of our community – not only for COVID-19, but for improving access to care and helping to advance the work we are doing in our newly established Institute for Health Equity.

While I’m a positive and forward-thinking person, I firmly believe that hope is not a strategy. We have to stay focused on the work. My personal philosophy is to keep working – and engage people along the way. Philanthropy is not really about the money – it’s about an investment of our time to work with the community to bring people along when they are ready.