The Trustees of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation (HNWF) announce the departure of Executive Director, Wendy Coates, after 10 years of service to the organization. “It has been an honor to serve this community and to work with so many generous and caring donors. Your gifts and your generosity have made our local hospice one of the best in the state. I have been fortunate to work with truly innovative and thoughtful trustees as well as very generous donors,” said Coates.
Coates first began at the HNW Foundation in 2012. Under her direction, HNWF has increased the amount of program funding passed to the hospice agency by nearly 200%. She also continued the work of those before her by growing the endowment fund, which ensures donor-funded programs like Integrative Therapies, Community Grief and Loss, and Direct Patient Assistance funding is sustainable and predictable in perpetuity.
Mary Ryan, Chair of the HNWF Board of Trustees, stated that Wendy has “increased program support funding, donor retention, and diversified fundraising activities. She’s focused a great deal of attention and time to our board, ensuring that we feel comfortable in our roles and obligations to the organization. I’m proud of what she’s accomplished, and am grateful for the six years I’ve spent on the board with her as our ED.”
As Coates steps away to pursue a new challenge, she has effectively set HNWF on the course for continued success. “She leaves the foundation with an incredibly healthy endowment fund, a solid and carefully cultivated donor base, and a reputation for total dedication to the patients and families we serve.” said Ryan.
Under Wendy’s leadership, the HNWF experienced growth and stability. From this solid foundation, the HNWF will continue its important work of funding the programs and services of Hospice of the Northwest. “Her expertise in philanthropy will be missed,” added Brian Ivie, CEO of Skagit Regional Health, “she was very successful in funding the end of life needs of thousands of patients and families in the 4 counties Hospice of the Northwest serves.”
Please join us in wishing Wendy well and thanking her for her outstanding service to this foundation.
The HNW Foundation is conducting a national search to find its next Executive Director. For more information please click here.