03/07/2024

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Names Burke to Lead Foundation

DOVER, NH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has announced that Maryellen Burke, a veteran fundraising executive and long-time Seacoast resident, will be named Chief Development Officer of the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Foundation, effective March 11.

This is Burke’s third stint working in the Mass General Brigham system.  She previously worked as a major gift officer at both Wentworth-Douglass (2018-2020) and Nantucket Cottage Hospital (2015-2017).  She also served as the founding executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society from 2011-2015. Burke also teaches nonprofit leadership as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire. Most recently, she spent the last four years leading her own consulting firm.   

 "It is a joy and a privilege to rejoin the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation. Philanthropy plays a vital role in helping the hospital’s deliver top-tier, patient-focused care," said Burke. "I appreciate the community's strong, continuous support of the foundation, and I am enthusiastic about expanding our reach in the future."

During her prior time at Wentworth-Douglass, Maryellen was instrumental in fostering donor relationships in Portsmouth and New Castle to support the continued growth of the hospital’s programs and services. With more than 27 years of combined philanthropy and leadership experience, she has also been instrumental in fundraising for several local organizations including Hope On Haven Hill in Rochester, the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, the Northern Forest Center in Concord, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

“Maryellen is well-known and respected across our community as a seasoned, knowledgeable, dedicated fundraising professional,” said Darin Roark, president and chief operating officer. “We know she is the right leader at the right time, and we are proud to welcome her to the Wentworth-Douglass management team.”

Burke replaced interim chief development officer Jan Wood, who has been leading the foundation since June. Wood will remain with the foundation through April.

“We appreciate Jan’s leadership through this pivotal and exciting transition. Today, our Foundation is well-positioned to meet the significant philanthropic needs of Wentworth-Douglass as we navigate what is truly the most challenging period in health care in the last century,” added Roark.