New Executive Director takes the helm of Piedmont Columbus Foundation

She is new to the Executive Director position for Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation, but Jessie Brown is a familiar face for the hospital’s goals of providing healthcare and service to the community.

Brown joined the Foundation in 2017 as the Children’s Miracle Network officer. In 2024, she was promoted to Manager of the Major Gifts program. In that capacity, she worked on the Let’s Dream Big capital campaign to raise $25 million to build the Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital. She still has big dreams for the future in her new role.

“This is more than a job. It is rewarding. The people we serve inspire me,” said Brown.

Inspiration to serve

Brown is a Columbus native, graduating from Columbus State University in 2014 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. It’s a great start for someone who chooses to dedicate their life to philanthropy. Communicating with donors is paramount to understanding their interests for support.

She is also inspired to help others by her own health journey. In high school, Jessie was diagnosed with scoliosis and had to have a spinal infusion.

“That experience did impact my life, but it was nothing compared to the medical challenges faced by some patients and their families.”

Last year, Jessie graduated from the Greater Columbus Chamber Leadership program. The message on leadership from one of the speakers, Lori Auten, resonated with her.

“Lori said, ‘Bring down your armor and solve problems together because we all bring something to the table.’”

That table is surrounded by a dedicated team and an active Board of Directors. Brown says they are always asking how they can help, and “they have been supportive during my transition.”

What lies ahead?

Healthcare is always evolving. Jessie Brown wants to stay ahead of the curve in growing services, including updating Piedmont’s mammography unit and providing pediatric transportation for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Those ambitions rely on donations, but her experience with the Children’s Miracle Network taught her that every dollar makes a difference and every dollar stays local. That is important messaging for donors.

“We will be getting out in the community and sharing patient stories and how we can work together to impact lives. We are here to serve and broadening our network will help us learn what is important to our donors.”

What motivates Brown in her new role with the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation?

“Our patients, their stories, and the donors who feel led to support our mission. I care about them and I’m excited about our future and how we can help those who need it most.”