The SVHC Foundation Announces Annual Fund Chair

BENNINGTON, VT—November 27, 2020—The Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation has appointed Michael S. McKenna, financial advisor at D. B. McKenna & Co., Inc., of Bennington, VT, to lead the Annual Fund as its chair. McKenna has been a member of the SVHC Foundation Board since 2013, and he is the first person to serve in the position.

“Health systems need community support, and annual giving is an important part of making that connection,” said Tom Ziegler, chair of the Foundation Board. “Michael is an active and engaged member of the greater Bennington Community who has demonstrated committed service to this organization. He will be a great link between community members and all of the tremendous work the health system does.”

The Annual Fund represents a large and crucial piece of SVHC’s fundraising efforts. The fund accepted $1.5 million in donations in fiscal year 2020, which nearly 45 percent of the Foundation’s total giving. The funds are used to advance the health services for local communities. Through Annual Fund giving, the SVHC Foundation helps to expand programs and services, purchase new equipment, maintain facilities, and invest in the latest technology. Donations maintain and improve the high-quality care to SVHC provides to its patients.

As chair, McKenna will connect community members, health system donors, and the development office with the aim of sharing the impact giving makes and building a broad and loyal base of support for the health system’s crucial work. 

“Southwestern Vermont Health Care is such an important member of our community,” said McKenna. “The superior quality of care has touched many of our lives or those of our loved ones. It is an honor to serve such a valuable resource, and I look forward to assisting in the organization’s ongoing health.”

McKenna graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington in 1983 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration from Bryant University in Rhode Island. He spent 6 years with Automatic Data Processing before joining D.B. McKenna & Co. in 1994. In addition to his service on the board of the SVHC Foundation, McKenna currently serves his community as a director for the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and is a former director of the Catamount Rotary Club, Hospice of Bennington County, and the local chapter of Dollars for Scholars. He resides in Bennington, Vermont, with his wife and two sons.

“Mike’s 7-year tenure on the board and his deep connections within the community make him a perfect fit for this important role,” said Leslie Keefe, vice president for Corporate Development at Southwestern Vermont Health Care.

To learn more about the SVHC Foundation, including the Annual Fund, visit svhealthcare.org/support-us.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices. For more information, visit svhealthcare.org.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.