Member Spotlight: Cody Vermillion
Member Spotlight: Cody Vermillion
Sr. Consultant, Philanthropy Engagement, OhioHealth
Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?
OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach organization. We are a family of 30,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 10 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area in Ohio. In 2017, we provided more than $335.5 million in Community Benefit. Community benefit is our mission in action. It is part of our work to help those less fortunate and to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve. We serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay, and are championing a lot of new healthcare initiatives that will better the industry for years to come.
How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?
I have been an AFP member for 3 years. As soon as I joined OhioHealth fulltime, my manager had me attend the Fundamentals of Fundraising workshop. It was my first AFP experience and I still talk with many of the other attendees from that two-day immersive education session. From there I joined the Mentorship Program and became involved with the National Philanthropy Day Nominations Committee. In 2017 I was fortunate enough to be asked to join the Board of Directors as the National Philanthropy Day Committee Chair-elect and am serving as the event chair for 2018.
What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
I have found my work with the Board of Directors and National Philanthropy Day Committee to be incredibly valuable. I do not work with a board at OhioHealth so my AFP membership has created an opportunity for me to get involved in strategic planning, succession planning and committee management. These are skills that I know will perfectly translate to my professional career and I am grateful that I get to learn from other great professionals in our community. I’m also thankful for the Scholarship Program as it allowed me to attend the AFP International Conference in 2017.
How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?
I entered fundraising in 2015 right after graduating from The Ohio State University. I had been an intern with OhioHealth the year prior and knew I wanted to stay with the organization. The perfect role with the OhioHealth Foundation opened up about a month before graduation and I quickly met with the president of the Foundation to express my interest and was hired on about two weeks later to primarily write grants and manage a small corporate portfolio.
What has been your biggest learning opportunity in your career?
I am always making a conscious effort to be a better listener. I think listening doesn’t just make a good fundraiser, but it makes people more empathetic and open to others.
Do you have a favorite book/blog/podcast/etc. that has been very helpful in your career that you’d like to recommend?
There are two books I highly recommend, especially for young professional but really for anyone who wants to better themselves personally and professionally. The Power of Patience by M.J. Ryan and Unconventional Leadership by Nancy Schlichting.
What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite place to go?
My favorite part about living and working in Columbus is that there is always something going on. You’re guaranteed to find a festival or event to attend all year round. And we have some of the best around. Our Pride Parade is neck-and-neck with Chicago, which says a lot about or community. Columbus is so welcoming and respectful of every person and their unique self.
My favorite place to go depends. Basi Italia in Victorian Village serves up some of the best food and dining experiences around. I’m also a fan of the craft brew scene and enjoy sampling my way through the various breweries.
Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.
I was on Slime Time Live, a Nickelodeon television series, back in 2000.
Posted August 2018