She has been working at the NFFR for over 11 years, and it may be impossible to list all that she does (and has done) for the foundation. As ED, she writes grants, sits on every committee, handles the finances and major donors, heads the capital campaign, searches for new sources of income, etc.

From the first time she learned about the NFFR and its purpose, she knew that she wanted to be a part of it. But as she recounts her first meeting with the NFFR board, however, it wasn’t so clear at first if they wanted her.

“I had gone through 3 rounds of interviews, so I knew they were serious about me. I was offered a position at another organization, but I wanted to work with the NFFR, so finally I called to ask if they had made a decision. I found out that they wanted to hire me, but were worried I wasn’t going to accept the job, and so they had been looking for someone else to interview in case I rejected them. Well I told them that they were my first choice, and the next day they offered me the position. I’ve been here ever since.”

When asked about the best part of her job, she doesn’t mention the success she’s had keeping the foundation running over the last decade. Instead, she talks about the children and families she has met and helped along the way. She speaks of a young Bosnian girl who was born with a large black nevus on her face which covered one of her eyes, and how, after just three procedures, it was completely gone. She mentions a 6-month old from Peru who was helped by the NFFR and IRPS after she was attacked by a wild boar, but whose facial repairs had all but vanished after about 10 years. When the foundation and institute learned of this, they brought her back, and again helped transform her life for the better.

Whitney lends a piece of her heart to every family that seeks the help of the NFFR and the Institute. She says that “99% of the people that seek treatment are improved in someway,” and when she speaks of an NFFR success story, she does so with a look of both pride and genuine care. She leads the way in an office of compassionate people and will keep the spirit of the foundation going strong for years to come.

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2 Responses to “Whitney Burnett, Executive Director”

1. Dana Fernando says:

   August 10, 2011 at 3:07 pm

   Hi Whitney,

   I hope this e-mail finds you well. I’m not sure if you remember me, but we were in touch about a year ago. We were hoping to do some charity work at Roche for the NFFR, but weren’t able to get everything worked out in the end. However, we were grateful that you sent some pamphlets to us that were disseminated during a local performace of Pippin (helped raise money for my son, Kiran).

   I’m touching base again since a colleague of mine has some cameras that she would like to donate to you (about 10 I believe?) if you are interested. Please feel free to reach me at dana.fernando@roche.com if interested or call 973-562-2945 (work). Thanks, Whitney!

   Dana Fernando

   Reply
2. Bill Andrew says:

   August 22, 2011 at 4:55 pm

   Hi Whitney, So glad you are doing this wonderful work.

   You may remember me from the Italy Trip in 1965 ACP.

   Remember Francesco & Paolo and when the Pope shook your hand or hugged you at St Peter’s.

   Best Wishes, Bill Andrew

   Reply