CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has named Kate Sawa its first chief philanthropy officer.
Sawa will continue to serve as president of the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation, including the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Families across West Central Florida need access to excellent health care close to home, and our generous donors and community partners help make that possible,” said Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare. “Kate’s vision and authentic leadership will help us deepen these vital partnerships and work together to create lasting impact across the communities we’re privileged to serve.”
In her expanded role, Sawa will partner with the leaders of four other Baycare hospital organizations, which will continue to have their own boards and independence, to advance BayCare’s philanthropic efforts.
Sawa’s leadership is shaped by her personal and professional experiences.
Early in her career, she founded a nonprofit inspired by her sister’s journey with Down syndrome.
She later served as the local executive director of the American Heart Association and then went on to hold national roles within the organization.
She became the leader of St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation in 2021. Since then, she has been key to BayCare’s commitment to build a new, freestanding facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.
Under Sawa’s leadership, the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation announced in 2023 a $50 million naming gift from Sidd Pagidipati and his family to support what will be known as the Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The new hospital facility is scheduled to open in 2030.
“BayCare is truly a special place where our physicians, nurses and team members are passionate about providing the highest-quality, compassionate care for our communities. It’s always about doing what’s right by the patient as the work truly matters in the lives of children and families,” Sawa said. “I’m honored to help play a role by connecting our generous donors, who inspire us to see all the possibilities for improving health care in West Central Florida.”
