 Jeffery Swanson, MA, CSPG, has joined Jefferson Healthcare as the new Foundation Director, effective November 10, 2025. Jeff brings extensive expertise in annual giving, planned giving, campaigns and major gifts, and he will play an integral role in connecting the community with Jefferson Healthcare's mission. He has spent the last 29 years leading successful fundraising teams at Chinese Hospital, Adventist Health, Loma Linda University Health, Orange County Community Foundation, Cal Poly Pomona, and more. A graduate of Loma Linda University, with a BA in History, Jeff received his MA in Education & Administration from La Sierra University School of Education. A Sense for Adventure Originally from Michigan, Jeff grew up exploring the rivers, lakes, and woodlands of his birth state. His parents instilled in him a mindset to explore and try new things. This affinity for exploration, whether it be a new restaurant or historical site, a hidden beach or trail, scuba diving or dragon boat racing lives on. It is that same sense of adventure that led Jeff to Jefferson Healthcare after successful philanthropic leadership stints in higher education and nonprofit organizations. While his roles across education and healthcare shared similar responsibilities, both involved connecting people with their philanthropic passion. “I really love healthcare and helping people make an impact,” Jeff says. “I am never going to cure someone personally, however, the ability to attract meaningful support for the work of our physicians, nurses and support staff ensures that caregiving happens.” Connection to Community “I knew I could make a difference here after one visit, and the tipping point is the leadership in place ready to support the next step for the Foundation.” One meeting with Foundation board president Patty Rhoden and Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn sealed the deal. "The way Patty talks about her community and board, and Mike about his team and the vision for the future," Jeff adds, "just the excitement they foster, and then to really see the amazing facilities and the level of care in our community, it all came together." It was a sincere discussion that convinced Jeff that his next adventure would lead to Jefferson. For Patty, the feeling was mutual. Patty was initially impressed by Jeff’s wealth of experience and expertise and was hooked by his relentless devotion to connecting people with the mission of care here at Jefferson Healthcare. “Jeff has this unwavering passion for philanthropy that is truly inspiring. His genuine commitment to connecting with others shine through in everything he does,” Patty said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him leading our foundation, and I have no doubt that under his leadership, we will continue to make a positive impact on the health of the people we care for in our community."  Investing in People
There is, of course, a numbers-oriented objective to fundraising, and Jeff is well aware of that. "A strong, growing Foundation ensures that innovative programs are launched, new medical services are initiated, and the overall level of care in the community rises," he adds, "One gift makes a difference, and generosity multiplied over time is an unstoppable force for good." Entrepreneur and philanthropist W.K. Kellogg once said, "I'll invest my money in people". That is the bedrock of the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation, holding contributions in trust for investment in the health of the community. The Foundation represents the gratitude of patients and families served by Jefferson Healthcare and stewards their generous investment to benefit others. For Jeff the objective is clear, "I want to help a grateful patient or donor find the perfect gift, one that matches their passion and ability. Often, that means helping someone find meaning in the face of loss, or leaving a legacy that ensures care continues for the next patient in need. For someone to take that step and say, ‘I have lost a loved one, and I want to support others facing a medical challenge’, this is the pay it forward moment where Mr. Kellogg's phrase rings true.” My Health, My Community, My Foundation Aside from being on the lookout for the next restaurant to check out or breathtaking spot to uncover (he is accepting recommendations for both), Jeff’s first order of business is establishing himself as a resource to the people that Jefferson Healthcare serves. "Our Foundation needs to be ingrained in the community it serves," Jeff says, “I'm excited to meet you. Together let’s find out where community, health, and foundation align." Did you know? Jefferson Healthcare offers financial counseling to help you understand your options, assist you in signing up for insurance, and give you advice on how to collaborate with your insurance provider so you get the care you need. Patient Access Manager Damon McCutcheon and his team of financial counselors are dedicated to helping patients in East Jefferson County overcome financial barriers to healthcare. In a recent episode of the To Your Health podcast, McCutcheon shared valuable insights on navigating health insurance and described the support services Jefferson Healthcare provides to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.   In building construction, topping out (sometimes referred to as topping off) is a builders' rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction. A Scandinavian tradition of hoisting a pine tree to the top of framed out buildings had a more functional purpose: when the pine needles fell off, the builders knew the wood frame below had cured/dried out so they could enclose the building. Jefferson Healthcare reached a significant milestone in the Campus Modernization and Expansion Project with the topping out ceremony. The final steel beams for the structure’s roof, signed by patients and staff, were placed at the highest point of the new building. This tradition marks a key moment in the project, and we’re excited to be one step closer to providing new and expanded services to the people in the communities we serve. A few other milestones:
 Did you know that approximately 6 out of 10 Americans die without a will? Even more interesting: only 45% of people over the age of 55 have a will. What’s also true is that Americans are considered among the most charitable people in the world: 63% of us make charitable donations, 46% volunteer their time for causes they care about, and 73% report helping strangers. Planned giving is a way of making a significant gift during your life or at your death, and is a powerful way to leave a legacy of enduring impact on a cause that you, the donor, care deeply about. There are many ways to support your favorite organizations without giving large outright gifts of cash or compromising yours—or your descendants’—financial security. Planned giving is a way to leave a permanent statement about your values. And, planned gifts can offer substantial financial and tax benefits. As you know, the Foundation is engaged in a $2.5m campaign—its largest ever—to raise funds for the LINAC for the new radiation oncology program at Jefferson Healthcare. The radiation oncology program envisioned by Jefferson Healthcare leadership means that the hospital will be the first critical access (rural) hospital in Washington to be able to offer radiation oncology within its facility. What you may not know is that this campaign was launched with planned giving: a generous bequest from a donor who cared deeply that cancer care should be accessible to everyone. Leave 10 is a movement to encourage us all to leave 10% of whatever we have at the end of our lives to causes that are important to us. If more Washington residents include charitable gifts in their wills, the landscape of social causes in our region will be positively transformed forever. For more information about why you might need an estate plan, this resource from Leave 10 may be helpful. You may also be interested in a variety of perspectives on leaving a legacy—and may see yourself in some of these.  Paul Pigott established the Norcliffe Foundation in 1952. Succeeding generations of the family continue the legacy today to improve the quality of life for all people in our community. We know radiation oncology in Jefferson County will absolutely improve the quality of life for our families, friends, and neighbors. We're grateful that the Norcliffe Foundation agreed! This gift for our LINAC campaign brings us to a solid 80% of our goal.   The Jefferson Healthcare Foundation recently made a $10,000 donation from its Women's Fund to purchase a much-needed colposcope for Women's Health. With construction necessitating office and clinic location shifts, and the difficulty of transporting the hospital's one colposcope, Jefferson Healthcare had a need for a second one. A colposcope is scope used to perform a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease.
"The Jefferson Healthcare Foundation is thrilled to be able to provide such a vital piece of equipment that will make an impact on so many lives," said Executive Director Carla Caldwell.  Left to right: Mike Glenn, CEO; Tina Toner, Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Deb Peterson, Director of MedOnc and Infusion Services; and Dr. Farnoush Abar, Medical Oncologist. On March 7th, Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn spoke to Foundation donors about the hospital's new radiation oncology service line and introduced members of the oncology team.
The team spoke passionately about how this new service line isn't just making radiation treatment accessible: it's making it possible. For roughly 70 people per year, radiation is a nonstarter due to the distances people have to travel at a vulnerable time. The team estimates that, all told, about 300 people per year will be served by radiation oncology at Jefferson Healthcare. The oncology team has nine oncology-certified nurses. This is an astounding number for a small, rural healthcare system. Dr. Abar says that their collective matches or surpasses other large, well-known institutions. The oncology team is more than ready to incorporate radiation oncology, and it's particularly meaningful to the team that Jefferson Healthcare will now be able to provide comprehensive, coordinated cancer care to patients. Jefferson Healthcare will be partnering with the Tumor Institute Radiation Oncology Group (TIROG), a group that provides radiation services to Swedish Hospital. The oncology assigned to Jefferson Healthcare will be based in Port Townsend and have all the backup and support that being part of a larger network offers. We're always grateful for the time that hospital staff take from their busy schedules to share their knowledge and expertise with us!  On behalf of the Foundation Board of Directors and staff, we are thrilled to announce the receipt of a $400,000 strategic project equipment grant from the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust to procure a linear accelerator (LINAC) cancer radiation treatment machine.
This substantial funding elevates the Foundation's capital campaign progress to 75% of our $2.5 million objective! "This grant will be pivotal in acquiring the state-of-the-art linear accelerator cancer treatment machine, amplifying our critical-care hospital's ability to deliver cutting-edge treatment to cancer patients in our community," expressed Carla Caldwell, Executive Director of Jefferson Healthcare Foundation. Mike Glenn, Jefferson Healthcare CEO, said, "We are deeply appreciative of the Murdock Trust’s belief and continued investment in our community and our team. The Jefferson Healthcare Foundation worked with Jefferson Healthcare staff to pull together an application that clearly spoke to the need in our community for high quality, comprehensive cancer care. Jefferson Healthcare is excited to be able to offer expanded cancer services to the communities we serve as we embark on the Campus Modernization and Expansion project.” At the Foundation, we receive many patient stories sharing personal battles, some won and some lost--but all show the strength of the human spirit. We wanted to share this story with you because it touched us deeply, and we know it will touch you as well. The author asked to remain anonymous.
Our donor says, "Why this odd amount? This donation of $3,652.00 to the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation Fund may seem like an odd amount, but it is an amount very special and meaningful to me. This January 24, 2024, I am celebrating my 10-year cancer anniversary. I am currently doing fine. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On January 2, 2017, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Both times it felt like being thrown overboard into raging waters in a storm. The loving, expert, caring oncology team at Jefferson Hospital threw me a life ring and gave me refuge and hope. They shared their vast knowledge, expert experience, and care with me every step of the way--they were like my comrades in the trenches. Because of the oncology team's care over the past ten years, I have seen 3,652 sunrises and 3,652 sunsets on this beautiful blue planet. I have had 3,652 days to do small kindnesses each day. I have had 3,652 days to laugh and have special times with friends and family. I have had precious time to spend with and care for my late husband and sister. I have had 3,652 days to walk on the beach. I have had 3,652 days to try in my small way to make the world a better place. Therefore, I am donating $1.00 for each day the oncology team at Jefferson Hospital gave me. It seems so small for the immeasurably huge gift of 3,652 days I have been given. I thank Jefferson Healthcare for the wisdom and foresight to create the world-class oncology clinic we have here in Jefferson County." "A dollar a day..." or an amount meaningful to you. What a tribute this could be for a loved one, or a way for you to express gratitude AND bring radiation oncology to Jefferson County. Let's all join in to make this vision happen. Your gift will advance our campaign to raise funds for the linear accelerator, the key equipment needed for radiation treatment. If you would like to make a donation to the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation, please visit our website. |
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Jefferson Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the excellence of our region’s medical services through charitable contributions and community involvement. Our tax ID number is 46-2991924.
Mailing address: 1240 West Sims Way, #220, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Mailing address: 1240 West Sims Way, #220, Port Townsend, WA 98368.