MPC is lucky to have a dedicated, engaged board. We recently welcomed some new foundation and nonprofit representatives to our board, and are excited to introduce them to all of you in our Member Spotlight - Board Edition.
Read on to meet Morgan Hynd, Program Officer II at the Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF). The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) is the state’s largest private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit health care foundation. Their mission is to promote access to quality health care, especially for those who are uninsured and underserved, and improve the health of everyone in Maine. Morgan has been with MeHAF since 2008 and oversees a diverse portfolio of programs, including MeHAF's ACA Marketplace Enrollment, Health Reform Advocacy, and Safety Net Oral Health programs. Morgan also works closely with other philanthropic partners in the state to help weave health care access with related issues, such as equity and inclusion, and leadership development.
We at MPC had the pleasure of working with Morgan in a ways over the years, particularly through her involvement on the 2016 Philanthropy Partners Conference and as the co-chair of the new Advocacy Task Team.
Welcome, Morgan!
September means back to school for many. What's something interesting you learned recently?
I recently learned that monarch butterflies taste terrible to predators because of the milkweed they feed on, which is a poisonous toxin. Other butterflies have evolved to have a similar coloring so predators will also avoid eating them. Fascinating stuff!
Morgan in New Mexico
What drew you to the MPC Board?
I’ve been working in philanthropy in Maine for nine years. During that time I’ve been a part of a number of funder groups and collaborative funding efforts. Those experiences have always left me wanting to find more efficient ways for different philanthropies to collaborate. We’re always asking nonprofits to partner and I think philanthropy should be doing the same. I’d like to be a part of figuring out how philanthropy in Maine can partner in innovative ways to leverage our resources for maximum effect. I hope my time on the MPC Board will allow me to do that.
What are you most excited about in the coming year?
The Philanthropy Partners Conference, of course! I’m also on the Conference Planning Committee.