Karen Haggen – Building a Legacy Through Compassion and Generosity

At NANOE, we celebrate members who live out the conviction that donors are the lifeblood of mission. Few stories illustrate this better than that of Karen Haggen, Philanthropy Officer at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, who has dedicated more than 17 years to inspiring generosity across Whatcom County. Known as a servant leader, a connector, and a pillar of her community, Karen is a member of a team that has secured $100 million dollars that enhance patient care and expand hospice services in Northwest Washington.

Karen was personally responsible for raising over $40 million dollars towards that goal. She’s a fundraising ROCK STAR!

A Legacy of Service Through Fundraising

Karen’s fundraising journey is deeply tied to her love for community and her commitment to healthcare excellence. Since joining PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation and Whatcom Hospice Foundation, she has become the driving force behind campaigns that not only met critical needs but also reshaped the way care is delivered.

Her influence reaches across multiple service lines, including the Institute for Nursing Excellence, Cardiovascular Services, and the Emergency Department. Yet, her impact is perhaps most visible in her long-term leadership for Whatcom Hospice Foundation. Karen played a pivotal role in conceiving and fundraising for the Whatcom Hospice House, a landmark project that stands today as a testament to community generosity and compassionate vision.

“Karen was key in developing the vision for our Hospice House,” recalled Mike Hammes of Ram Construction, who worked alongside her during the project. “Her leadership, empathy, and compassion are infused into every square foot of this place our community now holds so dear.”

Karen Haggen Builds Bridges

Colleagues consistently describe Karen as a “connector”—someone who instinctively brings together patients, families, providers, and donors in ways that deepen relationships and multiply impact. PeaceHealth Northwest Chief Executive Chuck Prosper noted, “She makes connections between patients, family members, providers and leaders in myriad ways – all with the goal of enhancing the quality of the relationship.”

This connector’s gift is not just a personality trait—it is her fundraising philosophy. Karen has mastered the art of translating complex clinical needs into compelling stories that resonate with community members. In doing so, she has helped donors see their role not as passive supporters but as active partners in improving healthcare outcomes.

This is precisely the kind of leadership NANOE champions: leaders who elevate donors to their rightful place as the nonprofit’s primary customer.

The Power of Planned Giving

One of Karen’s most significant contributions has been her leadership in planned giving. Through deep collaboration with estate attorneys, financial advisors, and tax professionals, she has guided donors toward meaningful, lasting contributions that will shape healthcare for decades to come.

Her work has secured more millions in planned gifts for PeaceHealth St. Joseph and Whatcom Hospice. These legacy gifts ensure that families in Whatcom County will have access to world-class care for generations. Planned giving is often one of the most complex areas of philanthropy, requiring patience, trust, and technical knowledge. Karen’s success in this field underscores her unique ability to combine expertise with heartfelt relationships.

Servant Leadership in Action

Karen’s colleagues consistently point to her humility, empathy, and willingness to serve beyond expectations. Jennifer Fix, philanthropy grants manager, observed, “She consistently goes out of her way to connect with community members—she’ll visit people after work hours, on weekends—whatever they need, she is there to connect and help.”

Her style embodies servant leadership: putting others first, listening deeply, and ensuring that philanthropy never becomes transactional. This has not only earned her professional respect but has also established her as a trusted presence in the lives of countless families navigating medical and hospice care.

PeaceHealth Chief Philanthropy Officer Amber Asbjornsen summarized it best: “Karen’s emphatic style, knowledge of St. Joe’s and Hospice and genuine connections with caregivers and donors make her a shining example of what collaboration means. She is a true believer in the work, finds joy in the art of philanthropy and has truly made an outstanding impact on healthcare in Whatcom County.”

A Model for NANOE Members

What makes Karen Haggen’s story especially exciting for NANOE is how naturally her work aligns with our principles. She demonstrates that fundraising is not a side function of nonprofit life—it is the heartbeat that makes mission possible. Her ability to inspire major gifts, secure planned gifts, and build deep donor partnerships reflects the very practices NANOE equips members to pursue.

She also embodies the NANOE conviction that great nonprofits are led by great executives. Karen has proven that one dedicated leader with the right systems and relationships can change the financial trajectory of an organization, transforming it into a vehicle for greater community impact.

Looking Forward

With over $40 million already raised, Karen could easily rest on her achievements. Instead, she continues to press forward, seeking new opportunities to expand healthcare access and inspire generosity. Her leadership in hospice care remains particularly impactful, ensuring that patients and families receive compassion, dignity, and comfort at life’s most critical moments.

Her story is not just about dollars raised—it’s about lives touched. Every gift inspired under Karen’s leadership translates into new equipment in a hospital, enhanced training for nurses, or compassionate end-of-life care for a family in need. Her legacy is both financial and human, marked by tangible improvements in the quality of healthcare throughout Whatcom County.

Conclusion

NANOE is proud to welcome Karen Haggen as a member of our community. Her remarkable career reminds us what is possible when fundraising is embraced as both art and ministry. By combining technical expertise, servant leadership, and a deep love for her community, Karen has become a rock star fundraiser whose work exemplifies NANOE’s highest values.

As she continues to connect donors to mission and inspire generosity at scale, Karen sets a standard for nonprofit leaders everywhere: to be bold in asking, humble in serving, and relentless in ensuring that communities receive the care they deserve.

Karen Haggen – Building a Legacy Through Compassion and Generosity was first posted at NANOE

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