In Thurston County, the future of health care philanthropy is in good hands.
MultiCare Capital Foundation’s Next Generation Advisory Council is bringing together emerging leaders and community advocates to help address the region’s growing health needs.
United for a purpose
Launched in January 2025, the council will provide fresh perspective and insight into MultiCare Capital Foundation’s fundraising priorities, while giving these passionate professionals an opportunity to develop their health care knowledge and connections.
“This group is a bridge to the future,” says Cecelia Loveless, MultiCare Capital Foundation executive director. “By centering their voices and development, we’re strengthening our philanthropic work today and empowering our leaders of tomorrow.”
Meeting bimonthly, the 18-person council participates in educational sessions about health trends, engages in networking and leadership development experiences, and helps share the Foundation’s mission of supporting MultiCare Capital Medical Center.
“What’s exciting is the council is just getting started and figuring out what goals they want to pursue,” Cecelia explains. “We want them to inform their own direction because they have such a passion for this community.”
A legacy of service
Hayden Milligan (pictured above in a white floral dress) joined the council at its inception — with longstanding ties to Olympia. As a child, her family owned an animal hospital on Steamboat Island, and she watched her parents regularly give back through Rotary, hospital boards and after-school events.
Now raising four kids with her husband while working for WellHaven Pet Health, Hayden is committed to carrying on those same values.
“There’s something about being home in Olympia and serving the people who served you growing up,” she explains. “It’s just really, really motivating.”
Coincidentally, Hayden was already familiar with Capital Medical Center before joining the council. When she was young, her dad made veterinary house calls for the hospital’s founder, Angela J. Bowen, MD, who became a close family friend.
“Dr. Bowen was an amazing force to be reckoned with,” Hayden reflects. “I’m honored to be part of something that she was part of.”
Investing in hometown care
Hayden’s children have taught her even more about the importance of care close to home. She’s appreciated taking her kids to a nearby Mary Bridge Children’s pediatrics clinic and wants to expand that level of local access for even more services and specialties.
“Wherever I can lean in and support MultiCare, my hand is raised — both hands are raised to help,” Hayden says.
Her first council meetings have given her confidence that she’s in the right place.
“I looked around the room and thought that these are the future movers and shakers of doing good here,” Hayden shares. “I want to be with these people.”
The council member looks forward to discovering what her greater community needs from health care and philanthropy, while staying grounded in what real impact can look like.
“Maybe there’s a family that I don’t even know, and never will know, that will benefit from the energy and passion I have to make sure somebody has a health care resource in their time of need,” Hayden says.
