David Pier, after nearly ten years as Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, will leave at the end of October for a new position. Sitting in the courtyard garden at the hospital with the Sun’s Anna Pier, Dave talked about his work at the philanthropic arm of the hospital and his journey in the Sonoma nonprofit world. Full disclosure: Anna is his mother.
This is a long run with the Foundation. What’s the total that you’ve raised? During my tenure we’ve raised nearly $30 million. I hope, before I leave, to finish the goal of $2 million-plus for the expansion – actually doubling – of our physical therapy facility and services. We have $1.6 million to date. There have been some really nice gifts to the hospital since I announced my departure, in honor of my work here.
Who decides what projects to fundraise for? That’s a really good question. The Hospital comes to the Foundation Board with a need, asking if we can find funding to support it.
Some examples? In 2023 we replaced the anesthesia equipment and purchased new surgery tables. Before that, we raised funds to cover a portion of the cost of a new electronic health record system called My Chart. We funded a renovation of the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) that will be complete in early 2025.
The largest capital project has been to renovate and centralize the Diagnostic Center, bringing all the imaging together for a patient-friendly, medical best practices facility. The MRI, a 3T magnet, was the last piece of this total $21 million project.
Highlights of your years here? I’ve just named many of the results. I’d say another highlight has been developing a really strong Board, currently with twelve super engaged members. Successful fundraising is contingent upon these members of the community who are able to convey the importance of Sonoma Valley Hospital to the community.
You came to this job from the Boys and Girls Clubs, where you were ED for eight years. How were you prepared to take on this work for the hospital? There are several parts to my answer. My previous experience, both at BGC and before that at Hanna Boys Center, built toward my next step here. At Hanna I was a community liaison for getting the kids out into the community. And at the Club I developed many community relations through my fundraising there, making a natural transition to the work at the Foundation.
The other part of my answer is that to start my work here, I wanted to observe everything that was going on at the hospital – all the departments, all the staff, including surgeries, the Emergency Department, the floors. And I keep in touch with what’s going on, even with patients.
What have been challenges to your Foundation work here? The main challenge is that, because of the way things are set up in our country, small community hospitals will always have needs. So the ongoing work is to convey the importance of having a hospital in our community; to convey it in a way that resonates with people, makes them want to support it.
Anything you would like to tell our readers about your work here? I feel really fortunate to have had this opportunity. It has allowed me perspective on the growth our hospital has made, including its affiliation with UCSF. And knowing that all of that has been the result of the community making it possible. It’s been gratifying to be a part of that process.
What will you miss? The appreciation that people in the community have for the care they receive here, the gratitude for others in the community that have made it possible. I will also miss the camaraderie, working alongside really good people who are dedicated to service in our hospital, many for years. The hospital staff, and the Board.
What are your pastimes? Hiking, backpacking and especially I love to cycle. I’ve loved my bike ever since I was little. I got my first road bike in 2010, and I’ve been riding ever since. Riding is individual – going by myself on a bike, getting exercise and enjoying the beautiful area we live in. And it’s very social. I have made great friends riding with people who share my passion for riding bicycle.
Any challenging long rides? Yes, in particular the Death Ride. It’s in the Markleeville area, a 125-mile route that entails 15,000 feet in elevation gain. I’ve completed this twice, with local friends.
Your new job? I will be the Executive Director of the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation. Their mission is to primarily fund medical research in California, with a focus on diabetes, and on age-degenerative disorders.
Definitely, this job has helped prepare me. I will stay in Sonoma, where I grew up and went to Sonoma Valley High. I have been lucky enough to come back after college to work here for my entire career, and to raise my two children, now adults, here. I plan to live here with my lovely wife and continue to be a part of this community.
Be First to Comment