Jake Mangas serves as the President and Chief Philanthropy Officer for Mercy Foundation North. His first day on the job was December 26, 2023.
Jake comes to the foundation following a leadership role as the President and CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce and Forward Redding Foundation for eight years and has significantly impacted – along with the Board and Membership of the Chamber – the positive business climate of Redding, including a bustling, burgeoning downtown corridor. He was responsible for the development and implementation of the annual operating plan for the 900-member chamber, including membership and sponsorship development, marketing and communications, and business advocacy. Prior to his staff leadership position with the Chamber, Jake was, for a decade, the Director of Development & Legacy Giving for Northern Valley Catholic Social Services, a multi-county agency which acts as the north state’s Catholic Charities operation.
In his role as President and CPO of Mercy Foundation North, Jake will lead a current staff of seven fundraising professionals who raise dollars, support operations and help transform health care delivery and social services at Mercy Redding, Mercy Mt. Shasta and St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff. Additionally, the foundation supports the work of Connected Living, and its vitally important and currently expanding food bank. Mercy Foundation North is an accomplished, impactful fundraising operation that is currently heading to the finish line of a $10 million capital campaign to help deliver a Regional Cancer Center to the people of north state.
Born and raised in the area, Jake was educated at California State University, Chico, where he earned his bachelor of arts in communication design. He and his wife, Janet, have three children and they all enjoy living in greater Redding and the north state.
A native of Klickitat, WA, Michael is the third-born of four sons. His parents were Edward W. Neils, a veteran of World War II, and Betty Jo Bouska Neils.
Michael is a life-long learner. His formal education includes a B.A. (philosophy) from Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA magna cum laude; an M. Div. from The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, magna cum laude; a Master of Sacred Theology (ethics) from Union Theological Seminary, New York (with distinction) ; and a Certificate in Fundraising and Community Relations from U.C.L.A. Extension, with distinction. Most recently Michael completed the Inner MBA with SoundTrue, Linked In and Mindful NY; and a Coaching Qualification Certificate with Erickson Coaching International.
An ordained Lutheran minister by background, Michael learned the art of fundraising serving congregations in New Providence, NJ; Montclair, NJ; Phoenix, AZ.
Since 2006, he has lived in Los Angeles and worked full time in the world of philanthropy. He has held senior positions with Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica; Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles; and most recently Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation, Torrance and San Pedro. Since September, 2109 he has served as President, St. Mary Medical Center Foundation and Chief Philanthropy Officer for St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach.
Michael is married to Mary Tabata PhD, a leadership scholar who serves as faculty for the Ducere Global Business School. They are the proud parents of Faith Anne Neils, a high schooler; and their home is guarded by two Havanese dogs, Gracie and Emma.
Michael is an accomplished public speaker who loves dogs, music, singing, theater and golf; he dabbles occasionally in writing poetry.
A seasoned professional, Michael proudly says, “I have been working for more than three decades, but I have never held a job. What I do is to serve a great mission – like that of CommonSpirit Health.” He is known both for this strong work ethic and his lively sense of humor.