Your Partners in Giving Hope
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Armando L. Chardiet
President
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Electa E. McPherson, MBA
Senior Vice President, Operations
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Kirstin Ashford
Vice President, Chief of Staff
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Mark L. Griffith, CFRE
Vice President, Development
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Rachel Ellis
Assistant Vice President, Grants & Foundation Relations
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Ryan Marshall
Assistant Vice President, Development
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Kellie McGregor
Assistant Vice President, Development
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Beth Braxton
Director, Fund Development
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Holli Helms
Director, Fund Development
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Page Ramsay Stroup, MS
Director, Development
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Leslie Sykes, JD
Director, Corporate Relations
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Sarah Trimmer
Director, Development

Brittany Garrett
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Brittany serves as Senior Development Officer of Corporate & Foundation Relations. She works with local and national corporations and organizations to secure support for research and programmatic initiatives across Atrium Health. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation in 2023, Brittany held fundraising positions in the Charlotte area with Roof Above and Carolina Breast Friends, as well as with Susan G. Komen Northwest NC in Winston-Salem. A graduate of East Carolina University, Brittany holds a BS in Public Health Studies, Community Health.

Abby O'Connor
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Abby serves as the Senior Development Officer for Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. A native North Carolinian, Abby joined Atrium Health in 2023 after a decade long career in the Washington, D.C. area serving in various roles from the House of Representatives to healthcare fundraising. Most recently she served as Director of Philanthropy for Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, VA. Abby holds a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Alicia Morris Rudd
Director, Corporate Relations
About Me
As Director of Corporate Relations, Alicia Morris Rudd leads Atrium Health Foundation’s corporate philanthropic efforts and strategic processes to identify, cultivate, and steward corporate major gift donors across all service lines, with a specific focus on pediatrics, cancer, heart, and community health. Alicia’s background is in both nonprofit development and community engagement. She has held leadership positions for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, UNC Charlotte, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
Alicia is a Charlotte native who graduated from Meredith College (B.A. in English) and UNC Charlotte’s graduate program in nonprofit management. She is passionate about our community and has served on the board of directors for many local and national nonprofits including Meredith College, Good Friends, Care Ring, Teen Health Connection, Girls on the Run Charlotte, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Charlotte. Alicia is a past president of the Junior League of Charlotte and a graduate of Leadership Charlotte Class XXVIII.
In 2018, Alicia was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence for Outstanding Service to our State and named one of the 50 Most Influential Women by The Mecklenburg Times.

Sheri Joseph
Development Officer
About Me
In her current role, Sheri serves on the Strategic Relations and Communications team. She returns to Atrium Health Foundation after spending the past decade working in healthcare leadership, business development, and education. In her previous experience at Atrium Health, Sheri led development programming to support Levine Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, and key pediatric initiatives. She holds a BA in Education and English from Houston Christian University and is currently completing her master’s degree in Intercultural Studies (MAICS) from Fuller Seminary.

Shanice Marte
Project Manager
About Me
Shanice joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2023 to continue pursuing her passion for serving her community while growing her professional career. She is currently the Project Manager for Grantmaking and Research Funds. She attended UNC Charlotte with a BS in Psychology & Biology. As a Charlotte native, witnessing the growth and expansion of Atrium Health has been impactful, and she is grateful to be a part of a prodigious organization.

June Laubinger
Executive Assistant to Armando Chardiet
About Me
June joined the Foundation in April 2022, bringing with her 10 years of experience providing administrative and executive assistance to Atrium Health Corporate offices, including Strategic Services and Global Healthcare Services. Prior to joining Atrium Health, June worked for a large dental practice as an account receivables representative, and also kept records for an environmental company involved in multimillion dollar government projects. Born in Augusta, Georgia, June has since lived in numerous places across the U.S., as well as the U.K. and Guam. In addition to serving in the United States Air Force in communications, June studied Business Accounting at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Helen Kernodle
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Helen joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2022 as a Senior Development Officer and supports the advancement of Atrium Health Levine Children’s, with a specific focus on the Pediatric Oncology service line. In this role, Helen builds relationships and stewards ongoing partnerships with donors and community organizations to grow and improve the quality of services available to children treated at Levine Children’s. Prior to joining the Foundation, Helen was employed as a Certified Child Life Specialist at Levine Children’s for over 16 years. For seven of these years, Helen worked alongside Pediatric Hematology and Oncology patients and their families, helping them to understand and cope with their illnesses and healthcare experiences. A graduate of The University of Virginia, Helen holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Spanish Language.

Beth Braxton
Director, Fund Development
About Me
Beth joined Atrium Health Foundation in April 2022 and serves as Director of Fund Development where she will focus on generating philanthropic support for Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute and Atrium Health Women’s Care. Beth has enjoyed a 30+ year career as a fundraising professional. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, she served as Director of Development at the School of Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Kayla Baker
Development Officer
About Me
Kayla joined Atrium Health Foundation in April 2022 and currently supports the Strategic Relations team as a Development Officer, Annual Giving. Kayla previously worked as a Human Resources Consultant for Atrium Health, focusing on Teammate Recognition and administration of the Teammate Emergency Care Fund. Prior to joining Atrium Health in 2020, Kayla held positions with Movement Mortgage and ProMedica Foundation, working in event planning and brand management. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Toledo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Holli Helms
Director, Fund Development
About Me
Holli joined Atrium Health Foundation in November 2021 and currently serves as Director of Fund Development, where she will focus on generating philanthropic support for Adult Medical Specialties, Atrium Health Pineville, Atrium Health Union, and Atrium Health Union West. She began her career with Atrium Health in 2008 working with our nonprofit partners in Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Maranda Bradley
Accountant II
About Me
Maranda joined the Foundation in 2021 following three years working in Atrium Corporate Operations as an Accountant II. She is an Ohio native and a graduate of UNC Charlotte with a BSBA in Finance. She is responsible for Accounts Payable and Treasury Management along with assisting with the monthly accounting functions at the Foundation.

Elizabeth Haggart
Project Manager, Prospect Development
About Me
Since joining the Foundation in 2021, Elizabeth supports fund development strategy through prospect research and analytics. Prior to joining the Foundation, Elizabeth served as the database manager for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and supported business development opportunities at (RED). Elizabeth holds a B.A. in International Studies from Dickinson College and an M.S. in Public Policy Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Anita McClary
Manager, Donor Relations
About Me
Anita McClary has been with Atrium Health since 2010. She joined Atrium Health Foundation in May 2021 and serves as Manager, Donor Relations. Anita ensures the highest standards of customer service are provided to promote a caring, comforting and courteous environment for all. Prior to joining Atrium Health, Anita served as a Senior Director of Customer Services with BellSouth Telecommunications, Incorporated. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration and a Minor in Office Management.

Ryan Marshall
Assistant Vice President, Development
About Me
Ryan has over fifteen years of experience in philanthropic strategy and leadership. His expertise includes campaign and major giving strategy, marketing and communications, and donor and community engagement. As Assistant Vice President, Development, Ryan oversees the daily management of the Giving Hope campaign.
Before joining the Atrium Health Foundation, Ryan was System Philanthropy Director at OhioHealth, directing initiatives in donor relations and engagement, marketing and communications, grateful patient philanthropy, annual giving, and grants. Prior to his time at OhioHealth, he held a senior position at a national fundraising consulting firm.
Ryan received a BA from Walsh University and will complete his MBA with Ohio University in 2021.

Taylor Sherman
Development Officer
About Me
Taylor joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2021 and currently serves as a Development Officer. Prior to coming to the Foundation, she served as Office Manager and Grant Administrator for the Winer Family Foundation in Charlotte, NC. Taylor brings a strong organizational focus and extensive administrative experience to her role. She holds a B.A. in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from The Ohio State University.

Erin Hampson
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Erin joined Atrium Health Foundation in January of 2021, having started her career in healthcare nonprofits at the American Cancer Society, where she held positions as Community Development Manager and Community Support Coordinator. Originally from Charlotte, Erin received her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from American University in Washington, D.C. In her current role at the Foundation, Erin facilitates donor relations processes – including donor acknowledgment and recognition, stewardship and impact reporting, and engagement events.

Elizabeth Rodriguez
Director, Development
About Me
Elizabeth serves Atrium Health Foundation as the Director of Development for Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, Elizabeth worked at The Mint Museum, as well as United Arts of Central Florida. Originally from the sunshine state, Elizabeth grew up in Pinecrest, FL and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University. She also holds a certificate in Non-Profit Business Management from Wake Forest University, as well as the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.

Kathy Curtis
Executive Assistant
About Me
Kathy joined the Foundation in May 2020 bringing with her 10 years of experience providing administrative assistant support to other Atrium facilities. Working in different facilities has provided Kathy a unique perspective on how each area works toward a common goal for our teammates, patients and the community.
As a native Charlottean, Kathy has watched the city transform from a small community to a large metropolitan area. Kathy loves to travel and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Katelyn Dubois
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Katelyn joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2020 and brings years of experience in non-profit communications, fundraising, and program development. In her current role, Katelyn supports the Foundation’s fund development and communications strategy. She serves as social media manager, as well as editor and content creator for various Foundation publications.
A former Minnesotan and graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Katelyn enjoys taking trips to the lake, spending time at home with her five pets, and traveling with her husband.

Kelsey Wilson
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Kelsey joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2019 as a Development Officer. In her role, she focuses on fundraising and event planning for Levine Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, Kelsey worked at Discovery Place, Inc. as Development Associate assisting with institutional giving. While studying Communications and Marketing at the College of Charleston, Kelsey served as the Special Events Intern for the MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund.

Page Ramsay Stroup, MS
Director, Development
About Me
Page serves as the Director of Development for Levine Cancer Institute and its related advancement initiatives. Page returns to the Foundation after spending the last ten years coaching and consulting, as well as attending graduate school. Over her 19-year career at Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare), Page rose through the ranks and served as the Executive Director of the Children’s Fund in support of Levine Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, and other system-wide pediatric programs. Page holds a B.S. in Administrative Management from Clemson University, a M.S. in Organization Development from the McColl School of Business at Queens University, and a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching.

Julian Ryan Heidelberg, MBA
Director, Development Operations
About Me
Julian joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2018, where he currently serves as Director, Development Operations. He oversees the Foundation’s development operations team, which is responsible for database administration, data & gifts management, and research & analytics. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, Julian served as research management specialist at Novant Health Foundation and as research/applications specialist at Alabama A&M University, where he implemented prospect development strategies, as well as provided support for database administration and reporting. Julian received his BBA in Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Planning, as well as Business Information Systems from Mississippi State University; he earned his MBA from Alabama A&M University.

Madeline Yih
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Madeline joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2018 as Associate Development Officer. In her role, she supports the planning and execution of the Foundation’s fund development activities and annual giving programs. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, Madeline gained significant experience planning and executing special events and programs for professional and amateur sports, corporate hospitality, and higher-education. A graduate of Elon University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Event Management, Madeline is also a certified wedding planner.

Candice Hagins, MBA
Financial Services Manager
About Me
Candice joined the Foundation in 2018 following 5 years in the Atrium Health Medical Group Finance Division. A Brooklyn, NY native and MBA graduate from Strayer University. She is responsible for monthly accounting functions at the Foundation and financial reporting.

Ellyn Brotherton
Senior Development Officer
About Me
Ellyn Brotherton joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2018 and currently serves as the Senior Development Officer for Corporate Relations. In this role she focuses on developing strong corporate funding partnerships that align with Atrium Health’s mission. The corporate relations team designs and delivers custom plans to foster strategic partner relationships that invest in bringing quality health care to the communities we serve.
On behalf of Atrium Health Foundation, Ellyn has supported various fundraising initiatives across multiple service lines, including leading the philanthropic advancement for the Behavioral Health Service Line and the Neurosciences Institute. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation, she served as an Area Director for the USO of North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Carolina University.

Armando L. Chardiet
President
About Me
Armando L. Chardiet, MSW, is president of the Atrium Health Foundation, supporting one of the most comprehensive and highly integrated not-for-profit healthcare systems in the nation. As a member of the executive leadership team, he is responsible for all philanthropic initiatives and fundraising campaigns that allow the organization to advance its mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all.
A recognized leader in the world of philanthropy with significant experience in establishing a strong culture of charitable giving, Chardiet joined Atrium Health in May 2017. Previously, Chardiet served in a variety of leadership roles, including chair of the Philanthropy Institute at Cleveland Clinic and chief advancement officer and assistant vice dean at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Additional positions throughout his career include serving at the Washington Hospital Center Foundation, the development division of the largest teaching hospital in Washington, D.C., the American Red Cross, Brown University and American University.
Chardiet holds his Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and Latin American studies from Southern Connecticut University and earned a Master of Science degree in social policy research from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds an advanced certificate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in research.

Cindy Grier
Project Manager
About Me
Cindy is responsible for special projects involving donor data management and gift management reporting. This includes the banking, recording and acknowledgement of donations, and processing of daily financial reports. Prior to working for the Foundation, Cindy held positions in donor and gift management for two years at a local non-profit healthcare agency, and for nine years at an independent school.

Katherine Schmitt
Assistant Vice President, Financial Services
About Me
Katherine joined the Foundation in 2015 following five years in the Corporate Reporting Department of Carolinas Healthcare System. She is a Charlotte native and graduate of NC State University. Katherine handles the monthly accounting functions and prepares the financial statements for the Foundation.

Rachel Ellis
Assistant Vice President, Grants & Foundation Relations
About Me
Rachel serves as the Assistant Vice President over charitable grants and foundation relations. She works with local and national organizations to secure support for research and programmatic initiatives across the healthcare system. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation in 2015, she held positions with The Mint Museum and Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte and served as a fundraiser in Colorado and Texas. A graduate of Baylor University, Rachel holds a BA in art history and museum studies.

Kellie McGregor
Assistant Vice President, Development
About Me
Kellie McGregor serves Atrium Health Foundation as Assistant Vice President, Development for Atrium Health Levine Children’s. Her previous sixteen years of philanthropic employ at Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte Chamber, Classroom Central, and Trinity Episcopal School has enabled her to hone the very strategic partnership building skills she uses to raise funds and bring additional awareness to Levine Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.
A lover of language, the arts, and the vibrancy that comes with thriving and diverse communities, Kellie is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Studio Art and a Minor in French. Her deep commitment to the Charlotte community has now been indelibly enriched by her work with Atrium Health Foundation.

Mark L. Griffith, CFRE
Vice President, Development
About Me
Mark has been with AHF since 2006 and serves as Vice President of Development. He provides leadership, strategy, and oversight for the AHF development team across all services lines. Mark is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A. in Economics) and a member of Leadership Charlotte Class XXVI. He received his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential from CFRE International in 2012 and was named as one of Charlotte’s 40 Under 40 by Charlotte Business Journal in 2019. He is a member of the Children and Family Ministry Commission at Christ Episcopal Church and is on the Board of Directors at Myers Park Trinity Little League, where he has been a youth baseball coach since 2004.

Patricia Beckas
Senior Strategist
About Me
Patricia serves as the Senior Strategist over charitable grants and foundation relations. She works with local and national organizations to secure support for research and programmatic initiatives across the healthcare enterprise. Prior to joining Atrium Health Foundation in 2013, Patricia worked as an Administrator for a local Charter School.
A native Charlottean, Patricia is a graduate of UNC Charlotte holding a B.S. in International Business.

M.L. Marley
Supervisor, Data Management & Donor Information
About Me
In addition to corresponding regularly with donors, M.L. is responsible for managing donor and gift data for the Foundation. Additionally, he performs daily and monthly financial reconciliations, general ledger financial reports, and drafts and coordinates a significant portion of the Foundation’s acknowledgement correspondence for the 100 various funds held at the Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, M.L. worked at Royal & SunAlliance Insurance Co. for nine years as an underwriting assistant serving the West Coast. He holds a B.A. from Pfeiffer University.

Electa E. McPherson, MBA
Senior Vice President, Operations
About Me
Electa brings more than 16 years of healthcare financial experience to Atrium Health Foundation. A graduate of Clemson University, she serves as controller and financial manager for the organization. Before joining the Foundation, Electa served as a Senior Financial Analyst for Johns Hopkins University. She provides a level of leadership and professionalism that is crucial to day-to-day operations.

Kathleen LeFever
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Relations & Communications
About Me
Kathleen joined Atrium Health Foundation in 2013 after serving as the Communications Manager of the Asheville Art Museum in Asheville, NC. In her current role, Kathleen fosters strategic donor, community, and patient relationships, and develops communication strategies to enhance the Foundation’s digital footprint in philanthropic giving and outreach. She also assists as an editor and content creator for Foundation publications. Kathleen holds an M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Oregon and a B.A. in Arts Management from College of Charleston.

Kirstin Ashford
Vice President, Chief of Staff
About Me
Kirstin Ashford has spent 19 years at Atrium Health Foundation, where she currently serves as Vice President overseeing all strategic relations and communications. Her background encompasses healthcare public relations, marketing, advocacy, and philanthropy. Prior to joining Atrium Health, Kirstin served as Director of Communications for the N.C. Hospital Association. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from East Carolina University and is a graduate of the McColl Center’s Innovation Institute. Passionate about children and education, Kirstin serves on the board of Charlotte’s Greater Enrichment Program.