CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy - CommonSpirit Health

Philanthropy professionals connect at 2025 Philanthropy Education Summit

The annual Summit represents a commitment to the professional development of each staff member across the 80 CommonSpirit Health affiliated foundations.

Phoenix, Ariz. (March 5, 2025) — The 2025 CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Education Summit held in Phoenix March 3–5, brought together more than 270 philanthropy professionals from across the country for three days of learning, networking, celebration and inspiration. Held in person in downtown Phoenix, this year’s summit focused on the theme of "Connections" — to donors, to each other and to the future of philanthropy.

Opening the Summit with vision and leadership

The event began with a warm welcome from Nancy Bussani, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, who emphasized the importance of connection in advancing CommonSpirit’s mission.

“This year’s summit reinforced the power of connection — with our donors, our colleagues and the future we are building together,” said Bussani. “Philanthropy is not just about giving; it’s about creating lasting impact through meaningful relationships.”

Wright Lassiter III, CommonSpirit Health CEO — a regular attendee at the annual Summit since he joined CommonSpirit — followed Bussani on the stage to deliver a State of the Organization Address. He celebrated Philanthropy’s record-setting $314 million raised in Fiscal Year 2024, and encouraged staff to “think boldly” as philanthropy plays an ever-increasingly more important role in making innovative and excellent care accessible and making communities healthier across the 24-state ministry footprint.

Throughout the Summit, the record-setting number of attendees participated in a mix of breakout and general sessions designed to enhance fundraising effectiveness and strategic alignment, including one session featuring four CommonSpirit executive leaders who participated in a panel discussion facilitated by Michelle Johnson-Tidjani, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. The three other Senior-Executive-Vice-President panelists were Daniel Barchi, Chief Information Officer; Dan Morissette, Chief Financial Officer; and Sheri Shapiro, Chief Strategy Officer. Each shared progress, challenges and opportunities within their functions and connected how their work supports and is supported by philanthropy.

Keynote speaker: Dan Harris on mindfulness and connection

Kicking off the second day was a compelling keynote delivered by Dan Harris, former ABC News anchor and bestselling author of 10% Happier. Harris shared insights on the power of mindfulness in leadership and philanthropy, emphasizing how presence and intentionality strengthen personal and professional relationships.

A celebration of connection and impact: The Phillie Awards

A highlight of the Summit was the Phillie Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements in philanthropy across CommonSpirit’s network. This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact:

Board Director of the Year: John Oppenheimer (Virginia Mason Foundation, Seattle, Wash.) – Recognized for his leadership in board development and personal philanthropic contributions.
Philanthropist of the Year: Dr. Bill Warren & Tom White (CHI Memorial Foundation, Chattanooga, Tenn.) – Honored for their efforts in leading the "Invest in the Best" capital campaign, securing over $14 million to enhance critical patient care services.
Philanthropy Champion of the Year: Jason Richeson (IT Department) – Awarded for leveraging cutting-edge technology to advance CommonSpirit’s philanthropic mission.
Philanthropy Values Award: Linda Russell (St. Mary-Corwin Health Foundation, Pueblo, Colo. & St. Thomas More Health Foundation, Canon City, Colo.) – Celebrated for her compassionate leadership and commitment to serving others.
Region of the Year: California Region – Achieved outstanding fundraising growth, raising $106 million and transferring $74 million to hospitals, demonstrating exceptional collaboration and efficiency.
Largest Gift Award: Barrow Neurological Foundation (Phoenix, AZ) – Secured a transformative $25 million gift to establish the Barrow Mind Exploratorium, driving innovation in neuroscience.
Foundation of the Year: St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation (Henderson, NV) – Recognized for its remarkable fundraising success, increasing revenue by 297% and transferring over eight times its expenses to hospital support.

Looking ahead: strengthening connections in philanthropy

The 2025 Summit reaffirmed the vital role of philanthropy in advancing health care. Attendees left with their “cups full”, inspired by time spent connecting with each other, ready to continue walking alongside each other and together with donors to advance a common mission.