The Children's Neurological Center - JFK Medical Center

Donna M. Meade
Joins the Foundation
I
f there’s one thing Donna Meade
understands, it’s “TouchingLives.”
As the new Executive Director of the
JFK Medical Center Foundation, she
embraced the renamed publication as a
vehicle for fulfilling the organization’s
vision as well as more personal aspirations.
With nearly 30 years in the non-profit
sector, Ms. Meade has dedicated her entire
career to helping people and enriching
society.
Donna comes to the JFK Medical Center
Foundation with a diverse background
in development, community relations and
all aspects of fundraising and non-profit
management. She most recently served as
President/Chief Executive Officer of the
Tri-County Scholarship Fund (TCSF),
which provides financial assistance and
mentoring to deserving, economically disadvantaged
children in Passaic, Morris and
Sussex Counties. Under her stewardship,
the organization doubled its endowment
fund over three years and awarded scholarships
to more than 900 children annually.
Prior to TCSF, Meade was Chief
Operating Officer for Kean University
Foundation, Union, New Jersey.
“The JFK Medical Center Foundation is
an exciting, challenging opportunity for
me to channel my fundraising experience,”
said Meade. “I have contributed to a broad
spectrum of humanitarian causes, higher
education and community-based organizations.
Health care is a natural extension
and I look forward to working diligently
on JFK Medical Center’s behalf to help
provide the best medical care for residents
of central New Jersey.”
In her new position, Donna seeks to energize
the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts
with initiatives designed to expand the
4 | SPRING 2007
TouchingLives
Foundation’s Board of Directors and
donor base while invigorating corporate
and community interest in supporting JFK
Medical Center. “We are extremely fortunate
to have Donna on board to guide the
Foundation through a pivotal period of
growth and progress,” asserted John Nolan,
Senior Vice President of Foundations,
“
Together, I am certain
we can impact the quality
of health care available
”
to our community.
—Donna M. Meade—
Solaris Health System. “Her success in
growing non-profit organizations and
building endowments will be of great value
as the Foundation renews its commitment
to advancing the hospital’s vital mission.”
Over the years, Meade has been recognized
for her far-reaching accomplishments. She
was recently honored by the Women’s
Fund of New Jersey for outstanding
contributions to non-profit organizations
and currently serves as Board Member and
Vice President of Executive Women of
New Jersey, where she works to promote
scholastic and professional opportunities
for women. Additionally, Meade is an
active member of the Association of
Fundraising Professionals (AFP), New
Jersey Chapter, and the Middlesex County
Chamber of Commerce.
Donna has a Bachelor of Arts in
Communications from Queens College
(CUNY) and a Master’s Degree in Public
Administration from University of Central
Florida. She also holds a Non-profit
Management Certification from Harvard
Business School and has completed several
other professional development seminars.
Meade’s strong philanthropic spirit is
complemented by her focus on family. She
devotes most of her free time to her
husband, Blas Ruiz Diaz, and her three
children, Daniel, David and Natalie, as
well as her avid interest in cultural cuisine.
“I am truly enthused about bringing a fresh
approach to JFK Medical Center’s
fundraising efforts and collaborating with
colleagues, benefactors and other constituents
to infuse more resources into the
hospital’s continuum of services,” added
Meade. “Together, I am certain we can
impact the quality of health care available
to our community.” ❦