Champion of Philanthropy: Diane Dunleavy Leads by Example

Diane Dunleavy’s connection to MetroHealth developed long before she became part of the team.

She recalls a time many years ago when a dear friend and neighbor, a mother of four, suddenly began exhibiting stroke-like symptoms while relaxing with her family.

MetroHealth Life Flight transported the woman to MetroHealth, which quickly tended to what was determined to be a traumatic brain injury and moved fast to stabilize her.

“The Emergency Medicine team at MetroHealth put my friend on the road to recovery. She had to relearn how to walk, talk and perform simple tasks, but her determination never wavered. Within weeks, she was home and attending outpatient rehab,” Diane said. “Today, she’s a proud grandmother and loves spending time with her family at their lake house. That experience showed me firsthand the life-changing impact MetroHealth has on patients and families.”

After moving to Cleveland from Rochester, New York, in 1982, Diane built a lengthy career in nonprofits, which strengthened her connection to MetroHealth. So, when she was looking for a new job five years ago, MetroHealth was among her top choices.

Over the years, Diane has supported MetroHealth in many ways.

That longtime commitment earned her the designation of Champion of Philanthropy. The award is a recognition from the Office of Strategic Philanthropy (OSP), honoring MetroHealth colleagues who go above and beyond to advance philanthropy. The recognition was especially meaningful because it came with a nomination from a close colleague and running partner, Kellie Mayle, Philanthropy Officer.

Kellie noted in her nomination that Diane is always the first person to “jump in and lend a hand,” whether it’s for a colleague, a MetroHealth patient or a donor. She is the truest of team players, consistently taking extra steps to do what is best for MetroHealth and the community.

Diane serves as Administrative Coordinator in Marketing, Communications, Government and Community Relations, and External Affairs and – fittingly – her office is in the same area as the Office of Strategic Philanthropy, giving her a front-row seat to the generosity that fuels MetroHealth.

“There is never a dull moment and every day is different,” Diane said. “I manage vendor relationships, help coordinate community partnerships such as with the Cleveland Metroparks, and sometimes answer the phone to assist donors through The MetroHealth Foundation. As a problem solver, I focus on delivering solutions and connecting people with the right resources.”

Her problem-solving skills were on full display when Diane received an unusual call: someone wanted to donate an electric scooter. She sprang into action. Through her connections in the Office of Strategic Philanthropy, she helped find a new home for the scooter, ensuring it would benefit a patient in need.

Her ability to adapt and lead comes from decades of experience in roles that required collaboration and creativity. Before joining MetroHealth, Diane worked at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office, MidTown Cleveland, Inc. and at the American Red Cross – Greater Cleveland Chapter. These experiences shaped her passion for service and her belief in the power of philanthropy.

That perspective now gives Diane a unique appreciation for MetroHealth’s impact on the community – and it’s the main reason she chooses to give back as an employee.

“I believe it is my responsibility to lead by example. If we expect others to support our mission, we must demonstrate our commitment to the team that ensures our patients and neighbors receive the care they need. It starts with taking care of each other,” she said. “My husband and I were blessed to raise four children, and we are now grandparents – but not everyone has that same stability. Supporting MetroHealth helps bridge those gaps.”

She emphasizes that even small contributions can make a big difference. They can donate their time, clothing, gift cards they will not use, or even just a dollar from each paycheck.

When people marvel at her commitment, Diane shrugs it off; “That’s just who I am.”

As one of eight children, she comes from a large family that instilled in her the importance of treating others as one would like to be treated. She is also a self-described “doer” who finds solutions to problems – even if they are not in her purview.

“I’ve always believed in giving back. I know that at any point it could be me, my family, my friend,” Diane said. “It’s important to set an example and lead by example.”

When she’s not helping MetroHealth, she’s out in the community in a variety of ways, including running marathons, where she sometimes runs alongside colleagues Kellie Mayle and Laurie Wise-Maher, Senior Prospect Pipeline and Research Analyst.

On race day, Diane is the person who steps in to help someone struggling to cross the finish line when they’re losing steam.

“Where I get my joy from is being part of the community, being a friend to someone. I’m that person who helps somebody go that last half mile,” Diane said.

For those considering how to give back and wondering if they can make an impact, she says, “Just do it!”

“Your support will have an immediate impact on the well-being of our community. As a donor, you can designate your contribution to an area of interest or allow it to go where it’s needed most,” she said. “Everyone knows someone who receives care at MetroHealth. It is not only the area’s safety-net hospital, but it is also a place of healing for all our neighbors.”

For more information, please contact Greg Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropy, at 440-592-1319 or gsanders@metrohealth.org,