Mary Jean Heller

Director of Philanthropy

MJ Heller is RVNAhealth’s director of philanthropy. In this mission-critical role, MJ oversees fundraising activities and strategies to sustain operations, pay for community wellness programs and offset the costs of unreimbursed patient care, staff training/education, technology and equipment needs.

MJ breathes life every day into the beating heart of RVNAhealth. “I am fueled by connecting people to our mission – people who find it rewarding to invest in RVNAhealth, whether it be their time, expertise or financial resources. It is also very rewarding to see a patient benefit from charity care, funded by donor support.”

Prior to her role at RVNAhealth, MJ was director of development for five years at the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club. Joining RVNAhealth in 2011, Heller brings significant expertise and history to our organization and was a key leader in the "Campaign for Tomorrow," which raised $10 million to build our Center for Exceptional Care. Today, MJ continues to lead the path for grant writing, donor stewardship, fundraising events, implementing appeals, and cultivating critical community partnerships. She is driven by RVNAhealth’s bright future. “RVNAhealth is a leader in the healthcare continuum. As we continue to invest in our service lines and our staff, we are positioned to be the differentiated provider of choice in the local healthcare arena.”

MJ holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Fairfield University and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is mom to four children and one totally-adorable-yet-slightly-annoying dog, Maisy. She is an avid runner and also enjoys golf, skiing, hiking, and watching college basketball and U.S. women’s soccer. “In a prior life, I was an avid reader, crafter and beach-goer. I look forward to returning to that life," she says. "I live in an older, turn-of-the-last-century home, the upkeep of which seems to command much of my free time."