Morris Named Among Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40

Sep 16, 2020

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WASHINGTON, D.C., – Annika Morris, William Newton Healthcare Foundation director, has been included in the 2020 Association for Healthcare Philanthropy 40 Under 40 list.Annika Morris

The 40 Under 40 program is designed to recognize future leaders within the healthcare philanthropy community. Association for Healthcare Philanthropy 40 Under 40 list honors these young professionals because they are shaping the future of the healthcare development industry. Collectively, they are changing the world—one campaign at a time.

“These honorees are part of a select group of healthcare philanthropy who have demonstrated impressive career achievements, deep community involvement, and the potential to be a leader in our profession for years to come,” said Alice Ayres, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy president and CEO.

When Morris accepted the position in 2013 with William Newton Hospital as the director of the foundation, she was teaching French at Wichita State University.

“I heard about the opportunity through a family friend. I had just lost my father, and I had no idea what it would look like to be a director of a foundation. However, I was inspired to say yes to an interview (and the job) as a result of the great care given to my father by many individuals, including Georgia Harjo, CNA, and Dr. Bryan Dennett. As a patient, my father was treated with dignity and respect, so to me it was worth the leap to take the job and give back to the hospital in my own way. I thought if I could make a positive impact at the hospital through the foundation, then I will have done something,” explains Morris.

The William Newton Healthcare Foundation provides philanthropic support to advance the mission and vision of William Newton Hospital as a non-profit community general hospital serving local needs and enhancing the quality of life for area residents. The hospital relies entirely on patient revenue and philanthropic support. It is not supported by local taxes and does not receive outside health system assistance.

Under Morris’s direction, the foundation has produced numerous successes:

Increased attendance of the annual gala to "sell-out" and increased sponsorships in dollars and numbers Secured 39 gifts of $10,000 or more during phase one of William Newton Hospital’s Second Century Campaign with the hospital’s first million dollar gift since its founding in 1927; secured nine gifts of $100,000 or more, with three of the gifts ($250k, $500k, $500k) being used as challenge gifts Raised $3 million for the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center which includes a new operating room, pre- and post-operative care units, space for a catheterization laboratory, chapel, and two waiting areas allowing for all surgical services to be centralized “Annika consistently provides impressive leadership and is extremely passionate in her commitment to the foundation’s mission to support William Newton Hospital,” says William Newton Healthcare Foundation Board President Cory Helmer.

“When the foundation board began discussing how we could support the Second Century Campaign for renovations to the hospital, there was no question Annika would embrace the challenge. The campaign’s first phase would not have been successful without her inspiring dedication. Annika is a true asset to the community, and we are fortunate to have someone of her ability lead the foundation into the future.”

William Newton Hospital CEO Ben Quinton shares Helmer’s sentiments. “Annika has done a phenomenal job bringing the community and hospital together. She is genuine, kind, and trustworthy. Her passion for top quality healthcare in our community has ignited a similar passion in those she works with. We are grateful to Annika for sharing her talents with everyone here. She is a true blessing.”

Morris believes her strength lies in her ability to listen to donor priorities. She attributes her achievements to the deeply rooted connection between the hospital and the community.

“My success is the community’s success,” Morris remarks. “Our capital campaign exceeded its initial goals because people understand the critical role healthcare plays to our local economy. In the rural Midwest, where other hospitals are failing, our community is stepping up to not only ensure our hospital survives, but is able to serve the healthcare needs for generations to come.”

About Association of Healthcare Philanthropy

The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy is an international professional organization dedicated exclusively to development professionals who encourage charity in healthcare organizations. AHP's 4,500 members represent more than 2,200 healthcare facilities around the world. They collectively raise more than $11 billion each year for community health services.