Alta Bates Summit Foundation

Foundation Trustees Grant $2.4 Million to Enhance Patient Care at Alta Bates Summit

Posted on Mar 2, 2012

The Alta Bates Summit Foundation has made a generous, $2.4 million grant to expand and renovate the cancer center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

“This donation marks the culmination of months of review by the trustees on how best to use philanthropy to enhance the patient experience, improve clinical outcomes and maintain financial leadership in the medical center’s key service lines,” said James H. Hickman, President and CEO of the Alta Bates Summit Foundation.

The donation, approved by the foundation’s trustees in February, was the first of its kind. Foundation trustees visited the cancer center then voted unanimously to invest in improvements that will enhance patient privacy in an environment that promotes healing for the many patients and families who visit the cancer center.

This grant allows the cancer center, located on the Herrick Campus in Berkeley, to build a new infusion room and upgrade the existing one with renovated RN work stations, redesigned, private treatment rooms and new patient entertainment resources.

This generous donation cements Alta Bates Summit’s vision and commitment to providing excellent patient care in the most healing of environments.

Foundation’s New Chief Executive Supports Medical Center’s Commitment to Community

Posted on Oct 12, 2011

James H. Hickman, a respected veteran in community health care, has been named President and CEO of the Alta Bates Summit Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy for Sutter Health’s East Bay Region.

Mr. Hickman, a longtime Bay Area resident, has more than two decades of experience working in health care, philanthropy and social innovation, and brings a unique perspective to nonprofit leadership and organizational strategy.

“Jim brings great experience to our team,” said David Bradley, CEO of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “He possesses the critical leadership skills and vision for our philanthropic presence in the community.”

Mr. Hickman comes from Hickman Strategies, a company he founded to provide business strategy, communications and resource development services to leading social enterprises and nonprofits.

Previously, Mr. Hickman served as Vice President of External Affairs at the Institute for OneWorld Health, the first U.S. nonprofit pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing drugs for neglected diseases in emerging countries. While at OneWorld, Mr. Hickman created and implemented initiatives to increase visibility and generate funding for this innovative global health initiative.  

“Alta Bates Summit is an exceptional medical center and I am thrilled to be joining this team,” Mr. Hickman said. “Few institutions have played such an important role in the health and wellness of generations of East Bay families as Alta Bates Summit.”