A Q&A with Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer Allison Kughn Ebert
In July, Centra named Allison Kughn Ebert, CFRE, as vice president and chief philanthropy officer for the Centra Foundation. A Lynchburg native, she brings over 30 years of experience to the role. She stepped into the position after serving most recently as the Foundation’s director of development.
You attended E.C. Glass High School and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, now Randolph College, before doing fundraising work in the U.K. and elsewhere in Virginia and the U.S. What brought you back to Lynchburg and eventually to the Centra Foundation?
Family brought me back to Lynchburg early on. Lynchburg is a great place to raise a family and I’m so grateful my children have close relationships with their grandparents. As far as what brought me to the Centra Foundation, three generations of my family benefit from healthcare at Centra. The Foundation enhances that care and the ways Centra can care for everyone in our community.
What do you enjoy most about being part of this community, Centra and the Centra Foundation?
People in our community have a huge heart for one another. And being part of the Centra team that truly cares for patients and each other makes it feel like so much more than a job. Centra is a place where you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the difference you are making. At the Foundation, we get to see that impact and hear so many stories of gratitude. I will never get to meet the vast number of patients and families benefiting from gifts through our Foundation, but it is a joy to be part of a place that makes such a difference in so many lives.
What is the most rewarding or inspiring part of your work?
Seeing the real impact. Knowing that every gift contributes directly to transforming lives in our community. The Foundation plays a vital role in helping generous donors impact our community’s health, whether it is supporting the greatest needs of our healthcare system, cancer care, heart and vascular care, mental health services, nursing education, patient assistance, new and upgraded facilities or other needs. It also provides a way for patients to share their gratitude or pay it forward. Studies show that for some, this is an important part of the healing process.
What is something about the Centra Foundation people may not know? Why is the work of the Foundation and support from the community so important?
I still find that many are not aware that Centra is a not-for-profit healthcare system with a strong commitment to community service, providing services needed within the community, and serving patients at all income levels. The Foundation’s mission is to develop and direct resources for the support of Centra. There are many ways to do this. Donors who give through the Centra Foundation want our community to have access to the best care possible, right here in Lynchburg and our local communities. For example, the new cardiac PET/CT scanner and the new da Vinci robot will benefit so many in our community. That equipment was funded by many donors who wanted to support local healthcare and made an unrestricted gift to our Greatest Need Fund.
You are also a supporter. What is your personal ‘why’?
Centra’s constant focus on improving the health of our community makes each gift I make meaningful to me. I feel that I’m doing my part to help others and to ensure that we have the best Caregivers and care available to each of us in our time of need, regardless of our financial circumstances. I continue to be in awe of the Caregivers who give of themselves so selflessly, and this is my way of supporting their excellent work. As I mentioned, I may never meet all of the patients who benefit from the projects my gifts have supported, but the meaningful stories of gratitude are everywhere.
What advice do you have for people in our community who want to give through the Foundation to make an impact or learn more? What are some ways they can partner?
Well, that is easy. Our website has information on how to give, the many areas you can support, how to contact us, how to join one of our events and the impact that your gift can make. Please reach out to anyone on our team. We are eager to meet you!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
The Centra Foundation is bolstered by a board of volunteer leaders who are so passionate about ensuring excellent healthcare for our community. They care deeply about our patients, our community and the care Centra is able to deliver. We are grateful for their service and the many individuals, families and corporate sponsors who give through the Centra Foundation to enhance health and wellness. We are all truly fortunate to be part of such a remarkable community.
