Friends of St. John's

Meet our Team

"The raising of extraordinarily large sums of money, given voluntarily and freely by millions of our fellow Americans, is a unique American tradition. Philanthropy, charity, giving voluntarily and freely... call it what you like, but it is truly a jewel of an American tradition." - John F. Kennedy

Dwight Heaney

Dwight Heaney
Chief Development Officer

Dwight Heaney joined St. John’s Hospital as Chief Development Officer in 2010. A fundraising executive since 1991, Dwight brings extensive professional fundraising and leadership experience to the Friends of St. John’s.

Dwight earned a B.A. in philosophy and sociology from Augsburg College, Minneapolis. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

Dawn Kuhn

Dawn Kuhn
Program Coordinator

Dawn Kuhn joined St. John’s Hospital in 2005. As Program Coordinator for St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network, Dawn oversees all CMN national corporate sponsor relations and national programs.

Dawn earned her B.A. in communications from Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois. She received the Achievement of Excellence award from CMN National in 2008.

Kristine Myszka
Program Coordinator

Kristine Myszka joined St. John’s Hospital in 2003. As Philanthropic Development Coordinator for St. John’s Hospital, Kristine oversees all annual giving, direct mail projects and special events.

Kristine earned her B.A. from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She was named St. John’s Hospital Employee of the Month for February 2009.

Peggy Goone
Development Officer CMN

Peggy Goone joined the team in May of 2011. As Development Officer for St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network, Peggy is responsible for assisting in fundraising events, sponsor relationships and communications.

Peggy earned her B.S. from Western Illinois University.

Jennifer Miller
Annual Gifts Officer

Jen joined Friends of St. John's Hospital in 2011. As the Annual Gifts Officer, Jen oversees the annual fund through the direct mail, Guardian Angel and Grateful Patient programs and the colleague giving campaign.

Jen earned a B.S. in marketing from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.

Paul Scherschel
Grants Officer

Paul Scherschel joined St. John’s Hospital in 2011. As Grants Officer, Paul is responsible for researching, writing, and stewarding grant opportunities and helping hospital staff in the grant seeking process. Prior to joining the Friends of St. John’s staff, Paul has successfully overseen grant development and assisted in governmental relations.

Paul earned his B.A. in philosophy with a concentration in pre-medicine from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Joan Colangelo
Administrative Assistant

Joan Colangelo joined St. John’s Hospital in 2008. Joan may be the first face you see or the first voice you hear when you call the Foundation office. She works closely with the director and development staff on special projects and events.

Richard Morris
Major Gifts Officer

Rich joined St. Johns Hospital in 2011 as its Major Gifts Officer. A financial planning executive since 1978, Rich brings extensive experience as a wealth management consultant. Rich earned a B.S. in business and an MBA from Eastern Illinois University. He holds the professional designations of Certified Trust, Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Advisor.

Gayla Wingo
Donor Stewardship Facilitator

As donor stewardship facilitator, Gayla receives contributions made to the hospital. She is responsible for recording the gifts to the fund requested by the donor, writing acknowledgement letters and disbursing the donated funds to different areas of the hospital. Gayla says that in her time at St. John's Hospital, she has learned just how very important gifts are, especially to the patients and families.

Friends of St. John's

Meet our Team

Designating Your Gift