Michelle Gilchrist’s experience aligns with organization’s mission to implement innovative, evidence-based solutions to address region’s health needs

The Board of Directors of the Bloomington Health Foundation (BHF) is pleased to announce and welcome Michelle Gilchrist, as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer.

Gilchrist comes to BHF with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience having most recently served for the past five years as CEO for the National Foundation for Transplants, which generates fundraising support for people in need of organ transplants. Prior to that she served as major gifts officer and then senior director of major gifts at the University of Tennessee Science Center. She has also served in leadership roles at Community Health Charities in North Central Texas and United Way of the Mid-South in Memphis.

“We are delighted that Michelle is joining BHF as our new president and chief executive officer. We are at an exciting time in our organization’s history and Michelle’s proven leadership, focus on strategic implementation, and emphasis on addressing community health issues will greatly advance BHF’s mission and better our community,” said Board Chair Tedd Green.

“I’ve worked at a wide range of organizations from grass-roots to very large not-for-profits, which has given me a broad understanding of fundraising, programming and how to measure the value of programs that are being considered,” said Gilchrist. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Bloomington community members and organizations to make impactful change that addresses the community’s most pressing health needs.”

Gilchrist is in the process of completing a Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and plans to draw upon the skills she’s learned throughout her professional career to build collaborative partnerships with community organizations and help enable funding of innovative, health-focused programs that are priorities for the greater Bloomington community.

“I am particularly passionate about unearthing the specific causes of the social determinants of health in the community and identifying why funding gaps exist which aligns perfectly with BHF’s mission,” said Gilchrist.