Mira Mihajlovich recently joined VVMC as manager of the Foundation. The Foundation helps raise the money that ultimately benefits the patients served by VVMC, and is the steward of charitable contributions given in support of the hospital and its many departments and programs.

Mihajlovich’s education includes a Doctor of Jurisprudence law degree from Indiana University, Bloomington; a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin; and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Telecommunications from Indiana University.

Her work experience includes legal writing instructor for graduate level students at the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, assistant regional counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and attorney for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Personal circumstances initially brought Mihajlovich to Arizona and new career. With the amount of research and writing necessary in the field of law, it was a smooth transition to grant research and writing. She has worked as grant writer, donor relations coordinator, fundraising associate, grants manager, and prospect research manager. Prior to joining VVMC, Mihajlovich was the director of Development at Illinois State University, where she was responsible for researching corporate, foundation and individual prospects, and matching projects to potential funders’ priorities.

When asked about her goals as Foundation manager, Mihajlovich said, “First, I want to make sure we have a strong infrastructure with our policies and procedures. Plans include implementing new financial software, such as Financial Edge and Raisers Edge, and collaborating with Flagstaff Medical Center.

“Outside the office, it’s important for me to get to know VVMC’s directors, and the goals and priorities they have for their departments. I want to talk to them individually and find out their needs – their wish lists. Lastly,” Mihajlovich said, “I want to immerse myself in the community by going to local meetings such as Chambers of Commerce and service clubs, so I can meet the donors and thank them for their stewardship. It’s important for people to put a face on the hospital.”

The Foundation’s annual Copper Ball is Saturday, May 16, hosted by Tlaquepaque in Sedona.  For more information, please call 639-6036.