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Throughout her more than 20-year philanthropy career, Heather Starankovic has advanced the missions of large academic health systems, regional health systems, and community hospitals through her empowered coaching style leadership, strategic execution and a focus on relationship-based giving. She specializes in strategic planning, comprehensive campaign planning and execution, as well as major and transformational gift services and strategies. Heather also brings expertise in systemization of health care philanthropy, pipeline development, donor relations, wave campaigning and building philanthropy programs.

Prior to joining Accordant, Heather led a substantial fund development campaign at one of the nation’s largest integrated health care systems, Geisinger Health System. Previous experience also includes collaborative campaign management University of Pennsylvania Health System where she served 19 clinical departments raising well over the projected goal. Heather has also trained, mentored and led philanthropy organizations through multiple mergers and reorganizations.

Heather has achieved certification as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She is also certified through the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP) program from the American College with additional management and fundraising certificates from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She shares her knowledge through online webinars and thought leadership.

Heather holds a master’s degree in public culture with a focus on non-profit management from the University of Pennsylvania. She also earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Art History from Kent State University.