Bill Littlejohn is one of the nation’s leading health care philanthropy professionals. With more than three decades of experience, Bill has led and directed philanthropic programs that have generated more than a billion dollars. Bill joined Sharp HealthCare in 2002 as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Sharp HealthCare Foundation. He oversees the entire philanthropic program for Sharp, San Diego’s largest health care provider. Under his leadership, Sharp has generated $500 million in philanthropy.
Bill is a 1980 graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He is a past Chair of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP); received the 2017 Si Seymour Award, AHP’s highest recognition for professional development; received the 2015 Outstanding Leadership Award from the Southern California Association for Healthcare Development; is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was named the 2018 AFP San Diego Outstanding Development Professional; and served as chair of 2014 AFP National Philanthropy Day in San Diego. Bill also served as Chair of the Board of Santa Fe Christian Schools in Solana Beach, California; served as Chair of the Board of the St. Paul’s Retirement Home Foundation in San Diego; and is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Paul’s Senior Services. He has spoken and written extensively on all aspects of fundraising.
About Bill Littlejohn
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m married to Lisa Littlejohn, and we have two children, Will, a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, and Lauren, a student at Belmont University in Nashville.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have consulted with and facilitated board retreats, conferences, site visits, and presentations for hundreds of hospitals and health systems across the US, Canada, France, and Germany. During 10 years of providing fundraising counsel, I directed over 40 projects including capital campaigns, planning and feasibility studies, development audits, and major gift programs.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I share my favorite quote: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees; under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Semi-retired and providing philanthropy consulting services to organizations across the globe and serving other organizations.
Bill Littlejohn & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
In-N-Out is a favorite drive-thru….. Phil’s BBQ and Snooze for breakfast
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked at Sharp HealthCare for 21 years and have lived in Santaluz since joining Sharp and moving from Los Angeles.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have the pleasure of working with the late John Hattox, MD, who was an anesthesiologist at Sharp and a member of the Sharp HealthCare Board of Directors. He was both an esteemed physician and a wonderful historian of San Diego and medicine. I learned a lot from John while he was on the Board.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Since my kids went to school at Santa Fe Christian, always loved going to Bonjourno’s, Rudy’s, or the Taco Stand after school or activities with them. Now that they are graduated, don’t get there much.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I enjoy having breakfast or brunch at the Santaluz Bistro and being able to sit outside and enjoy the community, especially with colleagues or friends.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I always wanted to meet Queen Elizabeth, but now that she is passed, I think I’d like to have lunch at the University Club with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
From Russia With Love; TV Show — Perry Mason (the original)
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I collect two somewhat odd items — old MAD magazines with their wit, satire, and sarcasm (the magazine of my youth); and old maps and atlases.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Vacations at the beach in Maine
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’ve recently been inspired by the people and stories of NASA and the Apollo moon missions — the dedication, perseverance, and collaboration to do something no one ever thought possible.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family; comfortable; legacy
