News

Mission names foundation president

By Mission Health, Published: December 17, 2013

ASHEVILLE — A former banker with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising has been named the new president of the Mission Foundation, which raises money for Mission Health.

James William "Bill" Kinard, Jr., FAHP, CFRE, born in Clinton, S.C. where he began a career in banking before becoming a leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic worlds, will assume the job on Dec. 30. Kinard, who will relocate to Asheville from Greenville, S.C., has more than 20 years of experience in the strategic direction and management of major philanthropic programs.
James William "Bill" Kinard Jr., president of Mission Foundation.Kinard will succeed current President Bruce D. Thorsen who is retiring in March 2014. Under Thorsen' s leadership Mission Foundation championed numerous campaigns, which raised more than $150 million that made possible the development of clinical centers of excellence like the Mission Children's Hospital, the Heart Center at Mission Hospital and the SECU Cancer Center. Thorsen believes Kinard's experience, skill and personal leadership style will successfully continue the Foundation's great work as well as identify and explore new ways in which the Foundation can help Mission Health provide essential and innovative care to our western Norton Carolina community. "Bill has significant insight into the importance of engaging and motivating physicians, employees, patients and community to support our core mission to provide our region with the absolute best and most advanced medical care possible – right here at home, close to family and friends," said Thorsen. "Bill's collaborative leadership style coupled with his grassroots sensibilities makes him an exceptional addition to the Foundation team as well as Mission Health."
A graduate of Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a preliminary medical studies emphasis, Kinard began his professional career working for a family-owned bank. In 1994, he was asked to assist his alma mater with raising funds for its athletic program. By 1998, Kinard embraced his love for fundraising and development and accepted a position with Washington and Lee University as the director of the Annual Fund. In support of his wife, Kristina, who was pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing degree, the couple returned to South Carolina and he accepted a position with St. Joseph's Catholic School as director of development. Kinard's impressive work at St. Joseph's Catholic School led him to the opportunity to join St. Francis Health System (now owned by Bon Secours Health System) as the director of development. In 2003, Kinard was recruited by Greenville Hospital System to serve as their director, philanthropy and partnership of the Children's Hospital. Since assuming this position, Kinard has successfully overseen the strategic direction of the Children's Hospital philanthropic efforts, which include Major Giving and the Children's Miracle Network. He was responsible for the overall organization of their current $80 million campaign, raised more than $29 million in current gifts and $3.5 million in planned gifts. He also developed numerous programs to engage physician and community champions in the philanthropic process as well as created a system of metrics and return on investment measuring the success of all lead gift officers.
"Without question, the work and contributions of the Mission Foundation have contributed to our ability to serve our community with the most beneficial programs and services that have also earned widespread national recognition, including two successive years as one of the Top 15 Health Systems nationally," said Ronald A. Paulus, MD, president and CEO of Mission Health. "Bill's passion for his profession, proven success and collaborative spirit made it very clear to us that he would be the right leader to extend the well-respected legacy and lead the Mission Foundation to new levels of success in support of our BIG(GER) Aim: to get each patient to their desired outcome, first without harm, also without waste and with an exceptional experience for the patient and family."
Kinard continues to serve in various leadership roles within the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy including Southeast Regional Cabinet Chairman of Education, Chairman of Certification, Chairman of State Liaisons, Education Track Dean in both regional and international conferences, and Southeast Regional Education Conference Chairman. He also served as special committee appointments including, Editorial Committee for the AHP Journal, and on a task force on the Future of Healthcare Philanthropy. He has been asked to present at a number of education conferences and always counts this opportunity to share and learn as the highest privilege.
"For me, philanthropy is far more than just asking someone to make a donation," explains Kinard. "Philanthropy is about understanding the goals and needs of your community and organization and then identifying and connecting partners, both internal and external, who share similar passions. Through these relationships we can, together, help build programs, improve services and obtain the best technology that will greatly benefit our overall community and region."
Kinard, his wife Kristina and their son, Will, look forward to their relocation to Asheville. Kinard serves as a leader of the Pastoral Council at St. Mary's Catholic Church and enjoys consulting with area nonprofits to help them establish sound resource development programs. His interests include general aviation, woodworking, urban farming, road cycling, mountain biking and hiking.