PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Executive Director at Whatcom Hospice Foundation, PeaceHealth System

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm’s Vice President, Search Sarah Hempen, resulting in Loran Zenonian of Bellingham, WA at Whatcom Hospice Foundation, PeaceHealth System.

Mr. Zenonian is an accomplished fundraising executive with a distinguished record of leading multimillion-dollar campaigns and cultivating high-impact donor relationships. As Director of Finance at Lighthouse Mission Ministries, he navigated the challenges of the COVID pandemic to successfully secure seven-figure gifts and drive a major capital campaign to completion. Known for his collaborative leadership and strategic acumen, he excels in board engagement, portfolio management and cross-functional coordination. With a values-driven approach rooted in personal experience and deep community integration, Mr. Zenonian brings both credibility and commitment to mission-oriented advancement work.

“I am very excited to welcome Loran as a member of the leadership team as our new Executive Director for Whatcom Hospice Foundation,” said Amber Asbjornsen, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Northwest, PeaceHealth Foundations. “I am particularly enthusiastic about his experience fundraising for the Lighthouse Mission’s capital project, and his wealth of experience in the philanthropic landscape in Whatcom County. I strongly believe he has the skills it takes to partner, lead, and develop the future alongside the board, volunteers, and donors, to make Whatcom Hospice the best it can be.”

In his new role as Executive Director of Whatcom Hospice Foundation, Mr. Zenonian will be pivotal in advancing PeaceHealth’s mission through strategic fundraising and community engagement. His proven ability to lead multimillion-dollar campaigns and cultivate high-impact donor relationships positions him to elevate the Foundation’s philanthropic outcomes while fostering alignment across diverse stakeholder groups. With a deep personal connection to hospice care and a collaborative leadership style, Mr. Zenonian is uniquely equipped to strengthen board engagement, build trust with clinical teams and champion donor-centered initiatives that reflect the compassionate values of Whatcom Hospice. His track record of securing seven-figure gifts and navigating complex fundraising environments demonstrates the kind of innovative, relationship-driven approach that will enhance donor experiences and drive sustainable growth for the Foundation.

“I am humbled and excited to join the Whatcom Hospice Foundation,” said Zenonian. “For years, I’ve admired the profound impact Whatcom Hospice has on our community, offering comfort and dignity during life’s most challenging moments. I am deeply committed to advancing the Foundation’s work, strengthening our connections and ensuring a sustainable future for these essential services. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with such a dedicated team and supportive community.”

About Whatcom Hospice Foundation
Whatcom Hospice Foundation strengthens funding and improves awareness of Whatcom Hospice services through community collaboration, compassionate care resources and individual choice for end of life issues, and is an independent charitable organization of dedicated volunteers and knowledgeable staff who raise funds and build community awareness in support of Hospice services in Whatcom County. The Foundation owns and maintains the Whatcom Hospice Campus, including Whatcom County’s only residential hospice facility, Hospice House.

About Whatcom Hospice
Located in Bellingham, Washington, all Whatcom Hospice clinical services, including those provided at Hospice House, are delivered by PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center with sustaining annual support provided by the Foundation. Whatcom Hospice is a program of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center consisting of a team of highly trained professionals and caring volunteers. Whatcom Hospice serves people with life-limiting illnesses, offering pain relief and symptom control so that patients can live their final days to the fullest, surrounded by loved ones and the things they cherish.

About PeaceHealth System
PeaceHealth is a nonprofit healthcare system with medical centers, critical access hospitals and medical clinics located in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. At PeaceHealth System, the fulfillment of the mission is a shared purpose. It drives everything. To those who embrace the spirit of these words and the commitment to Exceptional Medicine and Compassionate Care, the opportunity to learn and grow as a member of the PeaceHealth family is extended.

Advancing Great Leadership
Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served nearly 300 organizations across the US and Canada.