The Next Generation, a volunteer organization founded to benefit The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center, is pleased to announce the selection of Kimberly Pannell as its new President and Ashleigh Headley as its new Vice President.  New board members for 2014 were also selected as well as the creation of an advisory board.

Outgoing President and co-founder Heather Fountain started the Next Generation with a vision of brightening the everyday lives of sick children and their families during their stay at The Children’s Hospital.  After a stay in the hospital with her son during his illness, her mission became to create an organization that would allow members of this community to give their time, talents, and resources to make The Children’s Hospital a place of comfort. “When Ginna Carroll and I started this organization, we knew it would be successful. I feel that we have come very far from our original beginnings five years ago; however, it is now time to let our ‘baby’ go so that it can continue to grow and prosper. We chose Kimberly and Ashleigh as our new leaders because they share in our vision and will do what it takes to make the Next Generation successful for years to come.”

Ginna Carroll, outgoing Vice President and co-founder, is excited about the future of the organization, “Over the past three years, Kimberly and Ashleigh have served on the Next Generation board in various roles and proven that they have the leadership skills and ability to drive and lead change, which is exactly what this type of organization needs.” 

According to Kimberly Pannell, “When Ashleigh and I accepted these honorable positions it was because we both shared a vision to take the Next Generation to the next level. Our experience with leadership positions in other organizations allowed for us to see a successful future ahead.  Heather and Ginna laid such an amazing foundation for us, that we knew the hard part was complete.” 

With new leadership, new board members, and a new advisory council the organization is hoping to expand its scope of philanthropic services and extend its reach to all of the communities that utilize The Children’s Hospital.  “We are excited about Memorial’s new partnership with Novant to build a free-standing children’s hospital and we look forward to offering our support because we understand the need for this innovative facility in our community,” said Pannell.