Have You Met?

Have You Met Marcia L. Mintz?

 

Even in a changing healthcare landscape, Marcia Mintz is confident of John C. Lincoln Health Network’s important role in the Valley of the Sun. “ We are a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that includes hospitals, physician practices and community  service programs.  We provide state of the art care to more than 100,000 patients each year and  are regarded as a national role model for the community services we offer!”

As CEO of the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation, Marcia helps advance the mission of the health network. “We encourage philanthropic giving, and help develop the relationships and financial resources to support  the health care programs, projects and services of John C. Lincoln.”

Besides its medical facility, John C. Lincoln Health Network supports a child care facility, a children’s dental clinic, is an advocate for neighborhood renewal, and  maintains a food bank. “These services help meet the health and social needs of struggling families in Phoenix“, emphasizes Marcia.

 

This sincere and direct  administrator was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. “After college, for a number of years I worked for an international development company. I  lived and traveled overseas  while raising money for community development. Much of my time was spent in  Latin America, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union. Eventually the thrill of travel paled, and I relocated to San Francisco. For eight years during the high tech boom I was employed by a firm that combined real estate development and attainable housing for families and senior citizens. After several years  I was recruited to Phoenix by the Valley of the Sun United Way. I was so impressed with their vision! From this nonprofit I then came to be CEO of the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation.”

 

Marcia describes herself as passionate about all aspects of her life. “With my profession, my commitments, and my family, I give it everything I’ve got!  I try to be direct and honest, and tell it like it is. Hopefully, people appreciate it, that I don’t waste their time or resources on investments that won’t provide a strong return,” she laughs.

 

As far as adjusting to the Southwest, Marcia comments rhetorically “How hard it would be to NOT enjoy Scottsdale! People here work hard and play hard, and live a very balanced lifestyle. It’s so very beautiful here that I’ve just fallen in love with the desert!”  Some of her activities include hiking, yoga and cooking. “I also have earned a third degree black belt in Juku karate, a traditional Japanese style. When I was traveling so much in Third World countries, I felt I needed to learn some self defense, and after I got involved, I became passionate about the sport. I don’t compete anymore, but I do continue my training.”

 

Marcia Mintz sums up her dedication to John C. Lincoln Health Network: “The reason I joined the Foundation is because it is so unique in our community.  We are not only providing quality healthcare, including a topnotch Level I trauma center, and pediatric emergency room, but we also offer all these services for those in need. It’s the kind of mixture that I really want to showcase. My goal is to have people recognize and  support our organization’s  value and commitment to the  community.”

 

What are your local volunteer activities? My kids school, Human Rights Campaign, Animal Rescue

 

Who inspired you to give back to your community? My parents

 

Which fundraising event is your favorite? John C. Lincoln Night of Gold Ball

 

Favorite restaurant? My new favorite is St. Francis

 

Who do you most admire, and why? My Grandmother, because she faced inconceivable hardship and rebuilt her life without bitterness and opened her heart to love.

If your life were a movie, who would you want to play your part? Lucille Ball

Do you have any pets? Two dogs – Elvis & Coco, two cats – Chelsea & Skinny, one fish – Johnny

 

When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? That the family room is the center of my world

 

What's the best lesson you're learned through the years? Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen.  If you can live with the outcome then go for it.

 

What was your first job? Administrative work at a law firm

 

What is your greatest indulgence? Spa Treatments

 

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Personally – my incredible children.  Professionally – strengthening the community I live and work in through philanthropy.

 

What is your most treasured possession? My grandmother’s ring

 

What is the quality you most like in people?  Sincerity

 

Favorite books / Writers?

Isabel Allende, John Steinbeck, David Sedaris, Dorothy Allison

 

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Hidden agendas

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Yoga, hiking, cooking, reading

 

What would we be most surprised to know about you? I am a third degree black belt in karate

 

What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff

 

What are some challenges facing nonprofits?

-     Limited resources from all funding sources

-     Financial insecurity of individual donors

-     Increased demand for services

-     Uncertainty of impact of health care reform