Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Darren White as its new Executive Director (ED), effective July 20. In this role, Darren will lead the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts across Northeast Florida, building on a legacy of compassion while driving innovative growth.

“Darren’s thoughtful, collaborative leadership and deep commitment to our patients, their families, and our communities are invaluable,” said Adrienne Maygarden, president of Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation and Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “His experience and energy will undoubtedly drive meaningful impact as we continue our mission to serve those most in need.”

Since joining the Foundation in October 2023 as Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, Darren has strengthened community relationships and secured essential funding for several key initiatives. His leadership supported advancements in medical technology, the acquisition of critical equipment, and significant growth in outreach ministries like the Good Samaritan Fund and the Mobile Health Outreach Ministry. Over the past year alone, Mobile Health provided more than $2.7 million in care, and the Good Samaritan Fund covered over $580,000 in services for patients in need.

As ED, Darren will focus on three strategic priorities: elevating the Foundation’s visibility and role in the regional healthcare community, expanding the donor base with an emphasis on building relationships with the next generation of supporters, and streamlining operations for improved responsiveness and impact.

Originally from Stuart, Darren is a seventh-generation Floridian. He is deeply inspired by the legacy of the Daughters of Charity, who helped establish St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1916 and served the community for nearly a century. Their mission-driven work, along with the philanthropic leadership of Bob Shircliff, for whom the street leading to the hospital is named, continues to guide the Foundation’s efforts today.

Before joining Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation, Darren served as Associate Vice President at Texas Wesleyan University and worked as a national brand consultant. He helped relaunch the university’s annual fund with the “Colonel Ram” campaign, raising more than $600,000 in its first year. He also played a key role in two major capital campaigns, Rosedale Renaissance and Heart of Campus, which together brought in more than $26 million. His efforts helped grow the university’s freshman class by 70 percent and launched the award-winning “Smaller. Smarter.” campaign, which earned a Lone Star Emmy nomination.

Now based in Jacksonville, Darren lives in the Murray Hill neighborhood and actively contributes to the city’s cultural and civic life. He serves as Treasurer of the Murray Hill Preservation Association and volunteers with the Riverside-Avondale Preservation Association Music Tour. He also participates in the Health Equity Committee of the Jacksonville Transformation Coalition and supports music and history-based initiatives that honor the city’s unique identity.

“My faith has always been the compass guiding my work,” Darren said. “I’m humbled to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Bob Shircliff and the Daughters of Charity. They didn’t just fundraise, they helped heal, uplift, and transform lives. That’s the kind of legacy I want to continue through the Foundation’s work.”

As Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation moves forward under Darren’s leadership, we remain rooted in our founding mission: to bring health, healing, and hope to all, especially those most in need. Inspired by the example of the Daughters of Charity and guided by our faith, we continue to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Together, with supporters like you, we will keep answering the call to love and serve — one life, one family, one act of grace at a time.

Darren’s leadership is just one part of our ongoing story of faith and healing.
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