Nicole Hayse, Age 32
Executive Director, Carle Health Center for Philanthropy Greater Peoria
In her role at Carle, Hayse has a full plate including managing the regional development team, overseeing the employee giving campaign, and reviewing all grant requests. She also oversees a portfolio of major gift donors.
“Nicole is the epitome of who a leader is and how one behaves. She inspires passion and motivates team members. She provides support and sets her team up well for success. Nicole has pride in herself, and it shows in her work and in the professional way she handles herself,” said her nominator.
She was instrumental in assisting the Center for Philanthropy with the transition to Carle Health. Today, she is leading campaigns such as the Young Minds Project. Meanwhile, Hayse chairs the regional Carle Health young professionals’ group, co-chairs the Carle Gala committee, and serves as liaison for the Methodist College scholarship program.
‘Nicole is the epitome of who a leader is and how one behaves. She inspires passion and motivates team members’
Outside of work, Hayse serves as an accompanist and sings at her church. She is married to Collin and they are the proud parents to Atticus and Emerson.
Childhood ambition: “Veterinarian.”
Advice to 20-year-old self: “Don’t doubt yourself and don’t listen to naysayers!”
Hobbies: “Singing (undergrad degree is in voice performance), interior design/decorating, going on walks with my sons who love exploring.”
Best advice: “The quote, ‘Start where you are,’ has stuck with me for quite some time now. We can’t always be thinking about the best-case scenario … down the road. We really need to understand where we are today.”
Biggest challenge: “Facing folks who view me as irrelevant due to my age, gender, or body type. Making it known that I will not be walked on and have valuable input. I’ve had to earn trust and the sense of validity along the way.”
Motivating social issues: “To narrow it down, gun violence. Having two small children, the possibility of an active shooter attack is very real. Also, working in health care and the ever-growing prevalence of violence within the industry …”
Peoria needs: “I have lived in the Peoria area the majority of my life (since 3). I would love to see the crime rate decrease. … I feel that we are still very segregated in terms of social status and opportunities and would like to see this become less so.”
