Arkansas Children’s Inc. has promoted Ashlie Hilbun, EdD, CFRE, to the position of senior vice president and chief strategy officer, leading planning efforts, advancing business strategy, and overseeing strategic marketing for the state’s only pediatric health system.
Hilbun’s promotion follows three years of leadership with the Arkansas Children’s Foundation, where she most recently served as vice president of philanthropy, co-leading the system’s overall fundraising strategy and crafting external messaging and storytelling.
In the chief strategy officer position, Hilbun will also be responsible for new business development and outreach focused on advancing child health initiatives.
Hilbun will work closely with Arkansas Children’s President & Chief Executive Officer Marcy Doderer, FACHE, senior leadership and the system’s board of directors to guide implementation of Arkansas Children’s strategic goals and objectives.
Doderer said Hilbun was a match for the position because of her contributions to strategic program developments – ranging from statewide oral health to regional clinics and the recent construction and programming of Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale – paired with her experience leading fundraising efforts focused on the organization’s strategic plan.
“Championing a culture of advancement through leadership training, mentorship, education and clear career plans yields extraordinary results; it’s fun to reward excellence through Ashlie’s promotion,” Doderer said. “Her clear vision will help us chart the future of Arkansas Children’s, and most importantly, help us shape a healthier tomorrow for the children of Arkansas.”
Hilbun has also served as a senior development officer and executive director of philanthropy for Arkansas Children’s Foundation. Before joining the Arkansas Children’s team, she led development and external relations for the University of Arkansas J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, where she served as a thought leader in coordinating strategic program development with leadership philanthropy and advocacy. She also worked in disaster recovery in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
Hilbun earned a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas, holds a masters of social work from Tulane University, and is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport.