EMHS Foundation names veteran philanthropist as president

Courtesy / EMHS Mike Smith has been named president of the EMHS Foundation, the philanthropy organization that supports Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems' organizations throughout Maine.

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By Staff

M. Michelle Hood, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, announced that Mike Smith has been named president of the EMHS Foundation, the philanthropy organization that supports EMHS organizations throughout Maine.

Smith comes to Maine with more than 25 years of philanthropy experience, including executive-level roles at the University of Rhode Island Foundation and the Kansas State University Foundation. He has also worked in the private sector as a small business owner and partner. He has extensive experience in team-building and fundraising program development.

“Mike is an inspiring, innovative philanthropy leader who brings broad experience to the EMHS Foundation,” Hood said in a news release. “He has the skills to ensure our philanthropy program is responsive to donor needs and focused on supporting the EMHS programs and services that provide people throughout Maine with high quality healthcare.”

After working in educational development for many years, Smith said he is looking forward to transitioning to health care.

“Health care philanthropy improves lives,” he says. “Every gift, no matter how large or how small, makes a difference. It is my goal to ensure that through philanthropy, we’re enhancing the health and well-being of our communities. I can’t wait to get started meeting with donors, community members, and healthcare leaders.”

The EMHS Foundation www.emhsfoundation.org manages a comprehensive philanthropy program, including annual, planned and major giving programs as well as a number of fundraising events and campaigns. It also oversees the EMHS Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Hospital program that supports children’s services at many EMHS member hospitals.

In its IRS Form 990 for the period ending September 2016, EMHS Foundation reported net assets of $70.4 million and $7.48 million in grants distributed between September 2015 and September 2016.