Philanthropy Executive Tapped To Lead The Expanding RUSHS Foundation

Erin Phillips, a prominent community advocate and a trusted leader in organizational and philanthropic development, has been named Executive Director of Riverside University Health System’s nonprofit Foundation. “We are very blessed to have Erin joining our team,” said Zareh Sarrafian, Chief Executive Officer of the Health System, a clinically integrated network that provides quality healthcare, community wellness and behavioral health services at more than 90 locations across Riverside County. Phillips, 34, an Inland native and a graduate of UCR, will assume her post with the RUHS Foundation on Oct. 5. She brings a track record of leadership and success in building broad-based financial and community support for initiatives that have far-reaching positive impacts, Sarrafian said. Her leadership will be important as the Foundation expands its focus from the former Riverside County Regional Medical Center to the entire Riverside University Health System, which includes the renamed 439-bed Medical Center and hospital-based clinics in Moreno Valley, 10 community health centers, and Behavioral Health and Public Health services, Sarrafian said. “Erin is a dynamic leader with deep roots in our local communities,” Sarrafian said. “She has proven time after time that her heart and her purpose are firmly planted here in the Inland region.”Phillips currently serves as President and CEO of the Children’s Fund, a position she has held for four years. In that time, Phillips streamlined the agency and doubled its annual operations budget to $4 million. Under her leadership, the Children’s Fund served more than 60,000 at-risk youth during the last fiscal year and assisted San Bernardino County in opening a new center for victims of child sexual abuse. Previously, Phillips served almost seven years in community and business development at Cal Baptist University, and nearly two years at UC Riverside in Alumni and Constituent Relations. Phillips also was founding President of The Pick Group. Since its formation in 2008, The Pick Group has grown to more than 100 young professionals and civic leaders who are committed to the advancement of Inland communities. Jim Erickson, Vice Chancellor Emeritus at UC Riverside and the Director for the Center for Philanthropy at La Sierra University, has known Phillips since she was a student at UC Riverside. He called her an “extraordinary professional with deep integrity, someone who engenders trust and confidence in supporters looking to make positive and lasting impacts.” Phillips' experience interfacing with the private sector and government leaders makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Foundation as it evaluates its mission and expands its philanthropic role, he said. “Erin has passion, knowledge and the important ability to deliver on her commitments,” Erickson said. Kathleen Hartman, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said the Foundation's board is "very excited" to be working with a leader of Phillips' caliber and reputation. "She has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has many contacts, and her work is recognized throughout the Inland region. We are looking forward to her help expanding our board," Hartman said. Phillips, who lives in the City of Riverside with her husband, Mark, and their two children, will spend her first weeks on the job meeting with stakeholders to listen and learn about their vision for the Foundation. “This is an exciting time to be joining a strong team of healthcare and community leaders who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our region,” Phillips said. “I am looking forward to taking up this important work.” The Foundation was formed in 1989 as a nonprofit organization to support the mission of providing quality healthcare to all of Riverside County's diverse communities.