Grant a Gift Team Member Spotlight: Brian Hager

Dedicated, passionate, and talented are just some of the words that describe the staff at Grant a Gift. In this month's team member spotlight we asked Brian Hager, Executive Director, Clinical Services, questions to help everyone get to know him more. See what he shared here!

Tell us a little bit about what you do at Grant a Gift including your job title and what that entails.

I am the Executive Director of the Ackerman Center. My overall responsibilities are to ensure the financial health of the Ackerman Center, execute the strategic vision for growth and sustainability. As the Executive Director of the Ackerman Center, I am ultimately responsible for the day-to-day operations, ensuring federal, state and local compliance are met. 

What is your experience or education leading up to your position at Grant a Gift? What experiences helped you decide to work at Grant a Gift?

My previous experience includes 8 years of service in the US Navy, where I earned my Bachelors in Marketing. After several years in medical practice management, leading a multi-specialty practice with rapid growth, I earned a Board Certification from the American College of Medical Practice Executives, increasing my knowledge and expertise within the healthcare industry. As far as experiences that helped me decide to work at Grant a Gift, was the mission and the work done. After leaving the military, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that was making a change. Contributing to something that would make an impact in the community I was living in, and for the greater good. 

If you had to be stranded on a desert island for a year, what 4 things would you bring with you?

1. A knife for hunting, and building shelter

2. A cell phone - just in case I’m lucky enough to get some service

3. A Family photo

4. A hammock to keep me off the ground

What is the best part about working at Grant a Gift?

The best part of working at Grant a Gift is the team that I get to work with. They all believe and live our mission. Leading a team who, at the end of the day, just wants to help others. Working with the team to help the families and each other. 

What do you wish the community would know more about what you do at Grant a Gift?

I wish the community would know more about all of the great work we do, and the impacts we make on each patient’s life. Overall awareness of Autism and all of the things these kids, young adults and adults can do. That having autism doesn’t limit one's ability to be great.