St. Lukes Hospital recently announced that Meshelle Ziegler Colvin has joined St. Lukes Hospital Foundation as executive director. She is responsible for planning and directing philanthropic programs such as annual giving, capital gifts and planned giving, including special events, like the upcoming Ache Around the Lake, to raise funds and awareness of the hospitals foundation.

Reared in Tryon, the former Meshelle Ziegler says she is excited to be back home.

I love this area and am thrilled to be back. Its been a long process, trying to get back to Tryon, and I couldnt be happier. Im excited about the opportunity to work in the community that I consider home, Colvin said.

Bringing more than 20 years of professional experience in management, special events and fundraising, Colvin most recently served as the manager of development and special events for the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina.

While there, she managed a $1 million budget and was instrumental in coordinating capital campaigns. Since joining the Red Cross in 2006, Colvin secured major donor gifts and prepared proposals and grants. She led the chapter to increased revenue through aggressive fiscal management. She has also planned, implemented and managed budgets for major customer meetings, seminars and special events. Colvin has been involved with the Red Cross for the past 20 years as a two-term board member, staff member and volunteer. &bsp;

In addition, her professional background includes co-owner of LMW Express, director of travel and special events, and real estate paralegal services.

Colvin graduated from Kings College in Charlotte, N.C., and received an associates degree in business administration from Central Wesleyan College in Central, S.C.

I appreciate the opportunity and the challenge of serving as executive director of the St. Lukes Hospital Foundation, Colvin said. I plan to use my previous experience to develop and cultivate business and donor relationships while managing programs that directly and indirectly impact the future on the foundation through sustainable fundraising. As I learn more about the past success of the foundation, I am excited about the future and my role in moving the foundation forward. Its wonderful that a community this size recognizes the gem they have in St. Lukes Hospital.

Colvin replaces Carol Jackson, who retired after three years of service to the St. Lukes Hospital Foundation, said Norm Powers, chairman.

He added, Were thrilled to have Meshelle on our team and I know shell continue to build on the success weve experienced in the past few years.

Colvins office is located in the medical office park on the campus of St. Lukes Hospital in Building 1B. She can be reached by calling 894-2693 or by email at mcolvin@saintlukeshospital.com.

Colvin comes to work at St. Lukes just in time for the next fundraiser event for the St. Lukes Hospital Foundation, Ache Around the Lake 2010.

This is a spectacular event that keeps getting bigger! I am so excited to be a part of this, she said.

The 5th annual Ache Around the Lake will be held Saturday, Oct. 2. Runners and walkers make their way on one of two courses: the USATF-certified 8K loop around Lake Lanier or the 2-mile fun run Ouch. All proceeds will benefit St. Lukes Hospital Foundation.

The first 200 registered participants will receive the Ache T-shirt, along with a logo water bottle, compliments of Natures Storehouse. Pre-registration is available for a discount at www.achearoundthelake.org; race morning registrations will also be accepted.

Another opportunity to support the St. Lukes Foundation is a special race morning brunch buffet at the Lake Lanier Tea House from 7:30 10:30 a.m. This option offers a lakeside dining experience with views of the mountains while you watch the runners and walkers make their way to the finish line. A limited number of tickets are available. Please call the St. Lukes Foundation at 894-2693 to reserve your ticket.

St. Lukes Hospital is affiliated with Carolinas HealthCare System of Charlotte, N.C., for specialized management expertise, experience with developing strong community-based clinical services, and participation in revenue and purchasing contracts. CHS is the largest healthcare system in the Carolinas and the third largest public system in the nation. St. Lukes Hospital is a not for profit, acute care hospital committed to providing exceptional care, close to home.