Brittany Upchurch

Associate Director, Grateful Patient & Family Philanthropy Program

Nemours Children’s Health

How many years have you been in the nonprofit sector? 
I have been in the nonprofit sector for 7.5 years.

What do you tell people you do when asked? 
I work closely with pediatric physicians to identify their funding needs to support their programs, research, and equipment needs. I am also honored to get to know many of our patients and families who are open to sharing their story with us, serving as a patient ambassador and getting involved with our philanthropic efforts.

How long have you been part of our AFP chapter? 
Since I entered the nonprofit sector in 2018!

What position(s) have you previously held in the chapter? 
I started as a committee member for National Philanthropy Day (NPD) which then led to my role as NPD co-chair in 2022 and then I continued in the role to serve as Chair for NPD in 2023 and 2024.

What made you want to take on the role of president? 
I am deeply inspired by the many AFP FL, First Coast members and the remarkable success they’ve achieved in their careers. I believe their accomplishments are closely tied to their active involvement with AFP and their service on the AFP board. For me, serving as president offers a creative outlet beyond my role at Nemours, while also providing valuable leadership experience alongside peers I truly admire and enjoy working with.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish as president this year? 
This year, I aim to celebrate AFP FL, First Coast’s 40th Anniversary with impactful and diverse educational programs, engaging socials, and a memorable National Philanthropy Day. I also want to continue developing our scholarship opportunities to engage more members and provide greater access to educational resources. Ultimately, my goal is to uphold the legacy set by previous presidents and achieve the AFP Global Ten Star Gold status.

How did you start your fundraising career and what led you there?
Several members of my family have been deeply impacted by the care provided by Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. In gratitude for that care, my family wanted to give back, which ultimately introduced me to the Office of Institutional Advancement at Nemours. I began my career as a Development Assistant, and through organizational restructuring, I had the opportunity to play a key role in developing our grateful patient program. It has truly been a full-circle moment for me to help create opportunities for more families to express gratitude for their care teams.

Please provide a summary of the work your organization does along with a web address.
Nemours Children’s is one of the largest integrated pediatric health systems in the country. Everything we do — our medical care, research, education, and prevention and advocacy efforts — is focused on kids.

Our goal is to help children, everywhere, grow into healthy adults. To do this, we think of health as more than just medicine. Good health involves education, food, housing, family stability, emotional well-being, and more. That’s why we go outside of our walls to reach kids where they live, learn and play. We’re here, beyond medicine.

https://www.nemours.org/ 

Tell us a bit about yourself! Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I grew up right here in Jacksonville. I actually live in the same neighborhood I grew up in, and my parents and my sister and her family all live in the neighborhood as well. It is such a blessing to have everyone close by given I have a 9-month-old, baby Charlotte. I went to The Bolles School for high-school and graduated undergrad from Auburn University then completed my MBA through Auburn’s online program while working full-time at Nemours. 

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I was a cheerleader growing up and had the opportunity to cheer in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which looking back was such a cool experience! I would love for Charlotte to experience it one day  

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Great question, I will be turning 30 in July and hoping to plan a fun birthday trip with my best friend from college. Cabo, Bahamas, or St. Barth’s are all on the table for now!

What is the best book, TV show or movie you’ve consumed in the past year?
I’ll say Stranger Things Season 5 since it just came out! I am looking forward to seeing how it all ends since we have waited 3 years for this final season. 

What’s one item you can’t live without?
My Monday morning iced coffee from Foxtail! Instant mood booster.

If you were a hashtag what would you be?
#GoodVibesOnly