At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at St. John’s went through a difficult transition as their team was reduced from nine to three. Collaboration is a key ingredient baked into the culture of HSHS St. John’s Foundation. Bev Neisler and the Foundation, comprised of a small team of seven, knows the meaning of teamwork and pulling together during tough times. 

Here are ten best practice tips that CDOs can implement in their own shops to make the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team feel valued and welcomed: 

1. As the leader, be intentional about keeping the collaborative spirit of the team alive and well. It keeps everyone connected. The Foundation/CMN Hospitals team huddles every day. 
2. Include the CMN Hospitals team in Foundation staff meetings and time on the agenda for updates.  
3. As the Chief Development Officer, attend some of the radio partner meetings to demonstrate that the CMN Hospitals/radio partnership is valued. 
4. As the Foundation leader, arrive at Radiothon with the rest of the team. (The alarm goes off very early on those days – 4:00 a.m.!)  
5. Consider attending partner visits every now and then to gain a better understanding of what the CMN Hospitals team goes through when they are “on the road.”  
6. Attend Dance Marathon and have fun!  
7. Nurture the creative spirit of the CMN Hospitals team. They have great ideas that transfer nicely over to Foundation-related initiatives.  
8. During your annual donor appreciation event, recognize the top-performing CMN Hospitals partners and programs to showcase the breadth of the philanthropy program.  
9. Meet regularly with the Child Life team to learn how the CMN Hospitals team can support them. 
10. As the leader, don’t be afraid to don the hospital mascot costume and have a great time putting smiles on the faces of your most vulnerable patients!