A career built on “making known the healing presence of God”

Jake Mangas proudly serves in the “joy department of health care” as President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of Mercy Foundation North in Redding, California.

Learn about how Jake’s career path brought him from TV reporting to the local chamber of commerce, how he connects with donors, and even the foundation his family established after the passing of his young son, Michael.

Can you share your journey from Chamber work to philanthropy work? What inspired you to pursue a career in health care fundraising?

Jake: To understand me, you need to know my parents. My mom has been a transitional kindergarten and preschool teacher for decades. My dad is the local TV news anchor. He is also an ordained Catholic deacon. I think I have been influenced by the role of teacher, communicator, and minister — all of which can be drawn upon in philanthropy.

I was blessed to grow up in an idyllic, safe and nurturing home in Redding, CA. I have always sought to thank God for the gifts of my life by making others' lives better.

Following seven years in TV reporting and sales, I served for a decade as the Director of Development & Legacy Giving at a local Catholic Charities Agency. Then, as has been the case in my working life, opportunity found me without me actively seeking it.

I was asked to lead the Redding Chamber of Commerce beginning in 2016. It was an immensely rewarding time to be in that role. Like much of the country, the economy was booming and our community was transforming. It seemed like no matter the industry, all roads passed through the Chamber. I made authentic and lasting connections with people across our market, which has made the transition to Mercy Foundation North seem natural. 

How does your professional background help you in or connect to your current role?

Jake: As a lifelong local, I have come to realize that I belong to northern California. The career decisions I have made have been based upon mission alignment and impact. I care about the place where I live and have grown up. I have also determined that the quality of health care is perhaps the most important indicator of the health of a community, in a literal and economic sense.

Looking back at who I am and what I have done in my working life, having the incredible opportunity to be in this leadership position is both a responsibility and a joy. 

What is one of your proudest moments or successes at Mercy Foundation North so far?

Jake: While pursuing and securing a seven-figure gift has been thrilling, my proudest moments come from quietly observing each team member living out our mission with our donors and patients. Stewardship and the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy come to life by showing genuine care for those we encounter.

Many of our donors seem like extensions of our own families. The reality is that many are in the sunset of their lives. We journey with them through illness, surgery, hospice and the passing from this life to the next. It’s beautiful that they want to share of themselves, even when they are most vulnerable. That is making God's presence known in our world — in joy and in sorrow.
  
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in health care philanthropy?

Jake: I would advise them to internalize the mission as soon as possible. Visit with patients, clinicians and care teams, long-time hospital administrators, volunteers and donors. Ask for their stories of impact. Why do they believe in the work they do, or in the care they received? Once you grasp the mission's impact, you can better express it in a way that moves hearts and compels others to support it. 

On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Jake: I have to share one final, personal story. Our son, Michael, passed away in his sleep at the age of 19 months in June 2007. I was 26 years old and in a state of complete devastation and shock. His sudden passing was not in our plans.

I have found that it is in our times of struggle that God calls us closer to Himself. I was overcome by this determination that Michael's life must have a greater meaning than his short physical existence. We received $5,000 from family and friends in the days following to help with end-of-life expenses. To our amazement, everything was donated by people in our incredibly giving community. We asked ourselves: what could we do with the money to make a difference?

We almost immediately established the Michael James Mangas Endowment Fund. Available funds support programs that have the potential to bring joy to children and enrich their lives. It has brought joy to our lives as well. We often do not realize the invisible support system around us, but it’s always ready to appear and pick us up when we fall.

I am filled with gratitude and recognize firsthand the impact that philanthropy in its many forms can have. Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself. I am optimistic about the future and know that the work we do to inspire others to give benefits us all, because health care touches everyone here in the shadow of Mt. Shasta and beyond.

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