Goodbye and Q&A with Jason Hilton, VP of Finance

A few words from Northwest Health Foundation President Jesse Beason:

Jason brought his expertise to bear across the Foundation’s investments. He deftly moved us into a more responsive portfolio, guided mission-related investment work and helped elevate our role in both owning and managing the Center for Philanthropy. Throughout, Jason brought humor and stories forged from a childhood in southern Oregon and a continued love of the outdoors. We will miss him!

Q&A with Jason:

Q. What are you most proud of having worked on during your time at NWHF?

A. I am very proud of the fact that during the past six years we have increasingly been able to incorporate our values into our investment process. As a result, we have been able to drive significant impacts in Oregon, as well as around the globe, while still achieving investment returns sufficient to cover our spending needs and grow Northwest Health Foundation’s endowment.

Q. What's something you've learned at NWHF that you'll carry with you?

A. I have learned so much during my tenure here. Having had opportunity to spend time getting to know diverse communities around our state, learning about the history of racism in Oregon, and seeing the challenges different communities face has been both eye opening and life changing. I can’t think of many other jobs in the financial world where I would have had that opportunity.

Q. What will you miss most about NWHF?

A. Besides the innumerable opportunities to share feelings in meetings, I will miss my colleagues the most. It is rare to work alongside such talented and wonderful people.    

Q. What advice do you have for the philanthropic sector?    

A.  I have become increasingly convinced that lived experience matters as it relates to our work.  I would encourage philanthropy to consider lived experience in relation to mission statements as it selects leaders, employees and grantees.  I believe the work is more effective when we have leaders and employees who reflect and can identify with our priority communities.  

Q. What’s next?

A. I am looking forward to some much-needed rest and time with friends and family over the holidays. Then I will begin to thoughtfully contemplate my strengths and experience and hopefully identify a job opportunity where I can have a significant impact.