Nicole Bjerke Wins National Philanthropy Award

Nicole Bjerke, CentraCare Health—Long Prairie, has been included in the inaugural Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Forty Under 40 list.

The Forty Under 40 program is designed to recognize the future leaders within the health care philanthropy community. AHP is honoring these 40 young professionals because they are shaping the future of the health care development industry.

Bjerke, a Senior Development Officer for CentraCare Health’s Foundation, successfully secured over $3.2 million to support the building of a new medical campus, significantly surpassing the initial fundraising goal of $2 million. She also successfully carried a funding request to the Minnesota Legislature in 2018 securing $700,000 through the state bonding bill toward the Regional Community Well-Being Center.

According to Brad Konkler, Vice President Philanthropy and Community Health, CentraCare Health Foundation, “Nicole Bjerke’s outstanding leadership and tireless commitment to CentraCare’s mission has had a deep impact in Long Prairie, Minnesota and beyond. She is a consummate professional who thrives on engaging the community and supporting health and well-being for all. She is a true results-oriented team player and very deserving of this award.”

Bjerke will be recognized at the 2018 AHP Annual International Conference October 17-20 in San Diego.

“Telling member stories and sharing best practices are at the core of what AHP is all about,” said Alice Ayres, AHP president & CEO. “I’m so thrilled that through the Forty Under 40 program, members have shared the stories of our up-and-coming leaders—those making significant impact on the industry so early in their careers.”