May 2025 Focus 
Letter from the President
Springtime in Vermont reminds me a bit of philanthropy work—you never really know what’s in store for you from day to day. One moment, it’s snowing; the next, you’re struggling to drive through muddy country roads; then suddenly, the sun is shining and you’re traveling down a hard-packed, smooth road, admiring the budding trees. It’s unpredictable, a little messy, and full of promise. Sound familiar?
That same spirit runs through our work in healthcare philanthropy. Every day brings new challenges—some feel like a biting wind, others like the warmth of the noonday sun. Just last week, I was chatting with a colleague who was practically glowing, telling me she was overwhelmed (in the best way) with a calendar full of promising gift conversations. Meanwhile, I found myself thinking, “Huh, when was the last time I even had a conversation with a donor?” That contrast reminded me how unpredictable our work can be—but also how it constantly offers us opportunities to learn, adapt, and keep showing up with purpose.
As I begin my term as President of the New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, I’m continually inspired by the ways our members show up—for their organizations, their communities, and for one another—even when the path ahead is anything but clear. Whether you're leading a major campaign, cultivating donor relationships, launching a new data management system, or simply stuffing envelopes late into the evening, your work matters.
This year, NEAHP is focused on finding new and better ways to support you in that work—no matter the weather that day brings. We’re exploring opportunities to expand our services to help members connect more deeply, share knowledge more freely, and offer each other the kind of encouragement that carries us through the highs and lows. Because when we come together, we’re stronger—and better equipped to weather the unexpected.
Thank you for the incredible work you do, and for being part of this vibrant NEAHP community. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I look forward to growing together in this next season.
Emily F. Brooks, M.Ed.
President, NEAHP
(Day Job: Director of Philanthropy, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital)
2025 Educational Conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the Cape for this year’s NEAHP Educational Conference at the Margaritaville Resort and Conference Center! Whether you were an attendee, presenter, sponsor or volunteer, you helped make this year’s conference a dynamic one with record attendance and record sponsorship support. Highlights included competitive trivia at our opening reception; attendee-led morning yoga and an outdoor run; keynote speakers; the Distinguished Service to Philanthropy luncheon and award presentation; insightful breakout education sessions; and many networking opportunities with our peers. We left feeling refreshed, invigorated and ready to dive back into our work!
We are already planning next year’s conference. Save the date: March 2- 4, 2026 at the Westin Harborview in Portland, Maine!
Have ideas for a breakout session or keynote speaker? Want to help plan the 2026 conference? Please reach out to conference co-chairs Dawn Morrison, [email protected], and Ellie Willman, [email protected] to get started.
Meet the NEAHP Executive Board
Emily F. Brooks, M.Ed.
President
Emily has 35+ years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership in higher education, community nonprofits, and healthcare; she also maintains a small consulting and grant writing business. Prior to fundraising, Emily spent 10 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with at-risk youth and families. On the NEAHP Board since 2021, she now serves as President and chairs the Sponsorship Committee. Emily holds a B.A. from Baylor and an M.Ed. from the University of North Texas. She resides in Vermont with husband Bill and his dog Wally, who, despite Emily not being a dog person, won’t leave her side.
Wendy Lux, CFRE
President Elect
Wendy is an experienced fundraiser with over 34 years of healthcare fundraising experience. She is currently the Vice President of Philanthropy for Northern Light Health Foundation where she leads a fundraising team for the system’s ten member hospitals and Home Care and Hospice across the state of Maine. Prior to joining Northern Light Health in 2016 she held positions in healthcare philanthropy in Connecticut at community hospitals, academic medicine, and a healthcare system. Wendy earned her CFRE in 2002 and currently serves as a CFRE ambassador and is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern New England Chapter’s Mentoring Committee.
Ellie Willmann, MPA, CFRE
Vice President, Finance / Treasurer
Ellie serves as Vice President of Philanthropy for MaineHealth’s coastal region, providing strategic leadership across four hospitals while directly overseeing programs at MaineHealth Lincoln, MaineHealth MidCoast, and MaineHealth Care at Home. She guides regional vision, assesses campaign capacity, and collaborates with the Chief Development Officer to advance integrated, system-wide fundraising initiatives. Her leadership of the Campaign for Coastal Health funded a new Health Center at Pen Bay Medical Center and supported the expansion of the hospital’s emergency department, enhancing access to care in the region.
Ellie has a strong interest in the thoughtful use of emerging technologies, including generative AI, to enhance donor engagement, strategic planning, and team development. She brings over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, including more than 20 years in healthcare and higher education advancement.
She currently serves as Treasurer of NEAHP, Co-Chair of the 2026 NEAHP Annual Conference, a CFRE Ambassador, and an active mentor through AFP.
Sarah Kalagher
Vice President, Communications / Secretary
Sarah Kalagher joined NEAHP in 2019 as a conference newcomer and has remained an active member ever since. She co-chaired one of NEAHP’s virtual conferences, helping the organization adapt during the challenges of COVID-19, and continues to support the integration of technology into the annual conference experience. Sarah is the Director of Philanthropy at MaineGeneral Health, where she leads a small but mighty team committed to advancing the mission of this independent, non-profit health care system serving Central Maine. She lives in Maine with her husband, two busy sons (4 and 6), and two stinky French bulldogs.
Trish Rexhouse, MBA
Vice President, Education
Trish Rexhouse, MBA, is a skilled advancement professional with experience in healthcare and education. She currently serves as a Leadership Gifts Officer, Associate Director of Development for Nuvance Health, working to raise philanthropic support for four of the network’s seven hospitals across New York and Connecticut.
Erica Bryson, CFRE
Vice President, Membership
Erica Bryson, CFRE currently serves as the Chief Philanthropy Officer at Saint Elizabeth Community in Warwick, RI, joining the organization in 2012. With over two decades of experience dedicated to nonprofit development in the health sector, Erica began her career in 1999 at Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, MA and joined the team at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, RI, in 2007. Erica has been an active member of NEAHP since the early days of her career, and she continues to value the wealth of knowledge and the professional camaraderie shared by others dedicated to healthcare philanthropy. She lives in Coventry, RI with her two college-age daughters.
We want your input!
Our Education Committee is hard at work developing beneficial programming for NEAHP members throughout the year.
What topics would you like to see covered during Webinars in the year ahead?
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Zoom
Ask the Experts Series:
Transformative Leadership – Shaping healthcare Philanthropy for an AI-Driven Future
Register
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
New England Networking Series
Register
Sponsor Highlights
Learn from our Sponsors:
Own Your Voice and Your Case Statement
Michael J. Beall, Principal Consultant and Communications Practice Leader
Accordant
Capital Campaigns Just Got More Complicated
Larry G. Raff, Founder & CEO
Donor AbacusTM
Achieving C-Suite Alignment with Philanthropy
John A. Perry, CFRE, President and Principal Consultant
Engaged Generosity
Strategic Healthcare Philanthropy Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Bridget A. Murphy, CFRE, Principal
Graham-Pelton
Embracing Rejection in Major Gift Fundraising
Bill Mountcastle, MPA, President & Principal Consultant
Health Giving
Grateful Patient Programs – How to Cultivate Donorship
Bre Alexander, Customer Marketing & Community Manager
Kindsight
Special Contributor: Scott Nelson, Strategic Communications and Marketing Consultant
Digital and Interactive Donor Walls: A Practical Guide
PDG - Presentation
Beyond the Bill: The Case for Gratitude-Driven Giving in Healthcare
Robert Wahlers, Vice President, Client Partnerships
TAG – The Angeletti Group
Why You Need a Statement of Commitment from your Fundraising Board, and What it Should Include
David Garamella, MPA, Founder & CEO
The Giving Collaborative
“I’m Sorry, Dave, I’m Afraid I Can’t Do That”: How AI is Revolutionizing Fundraising, Like It or Not
Cody Culp, Salesforce Technical Director
Zuri Group
Advancing Your Career
Looking for the next step in your career or know someone who'd be a great addition to our field? Check out these new listings on the NEAHP Job Board, including:
Major and Planned Giving Officer
Spaulding Rehabilitation Network [Charlestown, MA - Hybrid]
CEO
Partners for World Health [Lebanon, NH - Hybrid]
Director, Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center
Dartmouth [Lebanon, NH - Hybrid]
Development Director
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center [Bennington, VT]
Director of Development
Dartmouth Health | New London Hospital [New London, NH]
Chief Advancement Officer
RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, Inc. [Boston, MA - Hybrid]
