“Feels like coming home”:
Welcome Dawn Koenning to St. Luke’s Foundation
Dawn Koenning recently joined the team at St. Luke’s Foundation in Houston, Texas, as the Vice President of Philanthropy for the hospitals in the Houston, Brazos Valley and East Texas Markets. She is a native Texan and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management.
We sat down with Dawn to learn more about what drew her to this position and what keeps her in the philanthropy world. As she puts it, her new position on our team is the culmination of her years in healthcare, philanthropy — and, most recently, a Catholic university.
Can you share your “why” for healthcare philanthropy?
For me, philanthropy has always been about connecting people to something bigger than themselves, and healthcare makes that incredibly personal. At some point, almost every one of us will have a moment when a hospital, physician, nurse or caregiver becomes part of our family’s story. Philanthropy gives people a way to turn gratitude into something lasting, creating hope and making sure extraordinary care is there for the next family who needs it.
I’m especially drawn to faith-inspired healthcare and the conviction that caring for people goes beyond treating an illness. It means caring for the whole person with dignity, compassion and humankindness. In philanthropy, we have the privilege of inviting others into that mission — and that’s an extraordinary way to spend a career.
What most excites you about your new position and team?
The people and the possibilities.
Although I’m still fairly new to the role, I quickly recognized how special this environment is. I’ve been continually inspired by the dedication of our team, leaders and board members to the communities we serve. There is both a deep pride in St. Luke’s generational impact across Texas and a genuine enthusiasm for our future direction.
The timing is also remarkable. As our Texas ministry becomes CommonSpirit, we have a unique opportunity to honor an incredible legacy while defining our next chapter. Philanthropy serves as the bridge between the two. The St. Luke’s and St. Joseph Foundations are honoring those who came before us while engaging others to help shape what comes next.
I’m also fortunate to lead a talented team serving Houston, the Brazos Valley and East Texas. My role is to empower them to do their best work, eliminate obstacles, encourage big ideas and ensure we celebrate victories (large and small!) along the way.
What do you want your colleagues to know about your background? What led you to your current position?
In some ways, this role feels like coming home.
With more than 25 years in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, my career began in healthcare with institutions such as Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Most recently, I spent seven fulfilling years at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, serving as Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Relations. That experience allowed me not only to lead development efforts, but also to build high-performing teams, navigate strategic initiatives, and see firsthand the power of combining mission, relationships and philanthropy.
When this opportunity with St. Luke’s and CommonSpirit arose, it felt like a seamless alignment of my background in healthcare, philanthropy, leadership, faith and my connection to Texas. Having lived, studied and cultivated relationships across the regions our Texas ministry serves, I feel a personal dedication to this work. Looking back, it is clear how past experiences and relationships prepared me for this moment. I believe the Holy Spirit has been at work in bringing me here, and I am incredibly grateful for the call.
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in healthcare philanthropy?
Remember that this is a relationship business.
Master the mechanics of fundraising — but above all, prioritize understanding people. Be genuinely curious: ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and understand what matters to a prospective donor before seeking their support.
Embrace opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone, even those beyond your formal job description. Unexpected challenges often yield the most valuable growth as a fundraiser and leader.
Look beyond the metrics. Behind every gift is a story, and behind every recipient is a life changed by generosity. Keeping that human connection at the center will elevate everything you do.
On a personal note, what do you love about where you live and work?
Texas is home, and I love that this role allows me to serve communities that have been part of my own story.
Houston is a dynamic environment for healthcare philanthropy! It is vibrant, diverse, entrepreneurial and remarkably generous. It’s a community where leaders actively step up for meaningful causes. Expanding that outreach into the Brazos Valley and East Texas makes the work even more rewarding given my personal ties to those areas.
Outside of work, being a mom to my two sons is my proudest role and greatest adventure. I enjoy spending time with family and friends (and our golden retriever, Lily!), traveling, trying new restaurants and cheering on Texas A&M football in the fall.
A little more than a month into this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude! I’m grateful for the warm welcome from my colleagues, the experiences that brought me here, and the opportunity to serve a mission I deeply care about. It feels very much like I am right where I am meant to be.
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