When a personal mission becomes a career: Q&A with Michele S. Gregory
Michele Gregory serves as the Chief Philanthropy Officer of Barrow Neurological Institute and President of Barrow Neurological Foundation at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
While she began this position just months ago, her path to neuro-focused philanthropy began in childhood — proving that following a personal mission can lead to the most meaningful and passionate work.
Learn what Michele had to say about finding that path, what keeps her inspired and what she sees for the future of health care philanthropy.
Q: What drew you to join the Barrow Neurological Foundation team in June 2025?
A: When I joined Barrow Neurological Foundation, it felt like a deeply personal, full‑circle moment. My connection to neurological care began when I was seven, watching my grandfather suffer multiple strokes. Even at that age, I understood how profoundly neurological illness impacts a family. That experience shaped my “why” long before I ever knew this would become my life’s work.
Years later, when I began working in neuro‑focused fundraising, I realized I had found my professional home — a place where purpose and impact meet. When the opportunity at Barrow came forward, it was impossible to ignore. Barrow is a national leader in neuroscience. It’s known not only for its clinical excellence, but also for its compassion and innovation.
Joining the foundation was a chance to support work that is truly changing what’s possible for patients and families. It felt like the right mission, the right moment and the right place to bring my experience and my heart for this field.
Q: What is one of your proudest moments or successes from your first few months at Barrow Neurological Foundation?
A: These first seven months have been energizing. I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built: strengthening internal alignment, clarifying strategic priorities, and deepening our collaboration with Barrow’s clinical and research teams.
One highlight has been creating clearer pathways that connect philanthropic support to the programs where it can make the greatest impact. Even as a new leader, I’ve felt a strong sense of shared purpose across the organization, and that has allowed us to move quickly and thoughtfully.
Q: What advice would you give someone just starting their career in health care philanthropy?
A: Stay curious, stay compassionate and stay close to the mission. Health care philanthropy is at its best when you understand the human stories behind the work: the patients, families, clinicians and researchers whose lives and careers are shaped by generosity.
I’d also encourage new professionals to build strong relationships across their organization. Philanthropy is a team sport. When you collaborate with clinical partners, operations, communications and leadership, you gain a clear picture of the impact you’re helping create.
Q: What is something you’ve enjoyed listening to or reading recently?
A: I recently began re-reading the Jim Collins classic Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t. The three circles of the Hedgehog Concept really resonated with me as a new leader at Barrow. I, too, believe that the answer to being a Good To Great organization lies at the intersection of “what we are deeply passionate about, what drives our economic engine and what we can be the best in the world at.”
I’ve also been enjoying leadership‑focused podcasts and a few MasterClass sessions on communication and organizational culture. Like Anna Wintour’s MasterClass on creativity and leadership. One idea that stood out was her belief that “creativity thrives when people feel trusted.” It is a powerful reminder of how culture is built — especially when you are new and working to create momentum and clarity across teams. And I did enjoy Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada!
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