Tracy Simons

About Tracy Simons

Strategic and relationship‑driven healthcare executive with 30+ years of leadership experience spanning philanthropy, marketing, communications, and external affairs. I specialize in building high‑performing teams, elevating organizational visibility, and driving transformational growth through major gifts, legacy giving, corporate partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.As Executive Director of the Silver Cross Foundation, I consistently exceed multimillion‑dollar goals by aligning donor passion with mission priorities, strengthening board governance, cultivating meaningful physician and community relationships, and advancing innovative fundraising strategies. My earlier career in award‑winning healthcare marketing and brand strategy gives me a unique advantage: I understand how to influence consumers, donors, and key partners across every touchpoint.Known for authenticity, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution, I bring an integrated approach to philanthropy and external affairs—uniting storytelling, community leadership, and operational excellence to expand impact. I’m energized by mission-driven organizations seeking a VP or Chief leader who can elevate philanthropy, enhance market presence, and build sustainable, long‑term community and donor support.

Experience

1. Executive Director, Silver Cross Foundation

   Silver Cross Hospital

   Nov 2017 — Present · Silver Cross Hospital, IL

   Serve as the senior philanthropic leader for a nationally recognized independent healthcare system. Direct strategy, donor engagement, fundraising operations, corporate partnerships, and legacy giving to advance organizational priorities and strengthen community impact.Leadership & Strategic Impact• Guide all philanthropic strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate philanthropy, planned giving, and signature events, consistently exceeding multimillion dollar revenue goals.• Partner with the CEO, CMO, and executive leadership to align fundraising with service line expansion, capital projects, and long term organizational vision.• Strengthen board governance by recruiting new members, developing board education tools, and enhancing engagement and accountability.• Drive integration of digital fundraising, data analytics, and CRM optimization to improve donor experience and operational efficiency.Fundraising & External Relations Achievements• Deliver record-breaking growth across major gifts, legacy giving, corporate partnerships, and grant acquisition — including multiple six figure and seven figure commitments.• Build and manage a robust prospect pipeline, managing a portfolio of high value donor prospects, resulting in leadership-level gifts.• Lead strategy for physician, volunteer, and employee giving programs, strengthening internal culture and community philanthropy.• Cultivate relationships with corporate partners, community organizations, and civic leaders to enhance the hospital’s visibility and philanthropic reach.Organizational Influence• Mentor and develop a high-performing development team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and mission alignment.• Collaborate across service lines to identify funding opportunities, steward donors, and communicate impact.• Represent the organization at high-level community, philanthropic, and governmental events.

Education

• Valparaiso University

  BA, Communications

  1988 — 1992

• University of St. Francis

  MBA

  2001 — 2004