MaineHealth has announced the appointment of its first permanent vice president of advancement and chief development officer.

Erin Brown, who previously was associate vice president of philanthropy at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, will lead the newly unified philanthropy department for the healthcare system.

Brown joined MaineHealth in April 2024, and she and other philanthropy professionals across the system have been working under the leadership of Susan Doliner, who led fundraising efforts at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center for more than 30 years, to create a unified MaineHealth development team. Doliner, who previously announced she would retire in early 2025, assumed the role of chief development officer in the spring of 2024 and undertook the task of getting the system-wide philanthropy team off the ground.

MaineHealth then undertook a comprehensive national search for a permanent chief development officer, one which led back to Brown.

“Erin’s deep understanding of philanthropy and her ability to inspire collaboration will strengthen our fundraising efforts as we focus on serving the unique needs of our communities,” said Dr. Andrew Mueller, CEO of MaineHealth, in a news release. “Her experience and vision make her the ideal leader to advance our philanthropic mission.”

Brown’s professional career spans diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. Before joining MaineHealth, she served as associate vice president for college advancement at Bates College in Lewiston, where she led efforts for a record-setting $346 million capital campaign. Her accomplishments also include significant contributions to major gift fundraising at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston and leadership roles at Hyde Schools in Bath and Woodstock, Conn., and St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Mass.

A Maine native, Brown holds BA in History and Education from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. She has furthered her professional development through the Yale School of Management’s Executive Education program in women’s leadership and the Plus Delta Partners’ frontline fundraising and management courses.

“The creation of MaineHealth’s system-wide philanthropy team is an effort to grow and enhance our fundraising while ensuring that local gifts continue to support their intended hospital organizations and projects,” said Mueller. “Under Erin’s leadership, MaineHealth aims to elevate its philanthropy programs, expand donor relationships and support our MaineHealth vision of working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”

Brown said she is grateful for foundation established by Doliner and for the opportunity to advance MaineHealth’s mission and vision.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation established by Sue Doliner and our dedicated philanthropy team,” said Brown. “MaineHealth’s mission and commitment to the health of our communities inspire me every day. I look forward to working with our donors and partners to enhance support for the programs and care that are so vital to our region.”

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville and St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.