Have You Met Christopher J. Hogan?
“I am passionate about volunteering! It truly is my avocation. In fact, my goal is to never fully retire, but to slowly shift my time and energy into the volunteer sector.” So states Arizona native Christopher J. Hogan.
“I came into volunteering gradually. I had been in Kiwanis for about 10 years when the Director of Community Relations at my company alerted me that there was an opening on the board of the Arizona Kidney Foundation. It has been a rewarding experience for me to serve with them.” The Arizona Kidney Foundation is committed to the prevention of kidney disease through awareness, education and research, and to improve the quality of life for Arizonans with kidney disease.
Chris is a registered pharmacist, was the Director of Pharmacy at Phoenix Memorial Hospital, and for the past 12 years has been the Vice President of Pharmacy Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
“I’m also the Chair of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Zoo. It’s just a terrific zoo! We receive no government funding; we are a not-for-profit zoo, and we exist solely on our membership, attendance, and philanthropy.” Open just since 1962 and relatively young, Phoenix Zoo has gained an international reputation for its efforts on behalf of wildlife and many endangered species.
Another commitment for Chris is The Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. This group was founded in 1994 and makes policy recommendations to the Governor for community service and volunteer-related issues. It also funds and oversees the administration of the Arizona AmeriCorps and service-learning programs. Chris is one of twenty-six members who serve by appointment by the Governor. “We allocate AmeriCorps dollars within Arizona. We send out proposals to nonprofits, and then we evaluate the nonprofits’ response. It is a competitive process that involves some serious decision making. This past year we dealt with a dollar value of 1.7 million, so it is a significant grant process.”
The father of two young daughters, ages11 and 8, Chris has already introduced them to community service. “The girls and I have volunteered together for many years with the Maricopa County Special Olympics. We actually manage the softball throw! Natalie and Jackie love it since they enjoy being outdoors and make friends with many of the people at the event.”
A hardworking professional and a dedicated volunteer, Chris Hogan is enthused about his home state: “In Arizona we have absolutely the greatest natural environment: we have desert vistas, forests, lakes and rivers, and of course the Grand Canyon. You never run out of things to do here! We are so blessed with natural beauty, and I enjoy being in the out of doors. Arizona is truly amazing.”
What are your local volunteer activities? Arizona Kidney Foundation, Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Governor’s Commission for Service and Volunteerism.
Who inspired you to give back to your community? My inspiration developed slowly as I volunteered my time and the source has been the people I have served.
Which fundraising event is your favorite? Tie: Zoofari and Dancing with the Stars, Arizona
Favorite restaurant? El Bravo
Who do you most admire, and why? Theodore Roosevelt because he had unlimited enthusiasm. TR lived life to the fullest and at the same time gave great service to all Americans.
If your life were a movie, who would you want to play your part? Bill Murray
Do you have any Pets? No
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? That I have a passion for sunlight
What's the best lesson you're learned through the years? It’s easy to manage issues that are black and white. We bring the greatest value by effectively managing the gray areas.
What was your first job? Paper boy for the Arizona Daily Star
What is your greatest indulgence? Overseas travel
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Raising my two daughters, Natalie and Jackie.
What is your most treasured possession? My mother’s cook book which also includes stories about my extended family
What is the quality you most like in people? Friendliness
Favorite books / Writers? ShoGun by James Clavell and Good to Great by Jim Collins.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Failing to trust my gut.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of accountability.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Golf, reading, traveling, volunteering.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Keep a good sense of humor.
What are some challenges facing nonprofits? I believe the greatest challenge facing non-profits in Arizona is structural in that we are effective in creating new organizations but few have the ability to consistently meet operating needs over time. In part, this is due to the fact we have a young state and require more time to mature but I believe we must also make a strategic investment in our future through greater public support.