Transforming Patient Lives through Philanthropy: Rachel Petrucelli of UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation
JULY 8, 2026What happens when a deeply personal experience leads to a 22-year career raising hundreds of millions of dollars for children's health and philanthropy?
“It fills my cup to have the privilege to work with someone who can make a difference in others' lives with their own hard-earned money.”
This episode of Living Your Legacy Podcast explores the powerful intersection of philanthropy, purpose, and personal journey with Rachel Petrucelli, President of the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Greg Weimer sits down with Rachel to reflect on her 22-year career, her unexpected path into nonprofit leadership, and how deeply personal experiences shaped her commitment to children’s health and philanthropy. From navigating leadership transitions to helping raise hundreds of millions of dollars, Rachel shares how her work is grounded in relationships and a mission that extends far beyond fundraising.
Together, they unpack what it truly means to build a career in service of others, how philanthropy creates a “margin of excellence” in healthcare, and why human connection remains at the center of meaningful impact. Rachel also reflects on the evolution of Children’s Hospital, the importance of accessible care, and the ongoing work to meet rising behavioral health needs for children and families.
In this episode, gain insights on:
- Why philanthropy creates the "margin of excellence" in healthcare: how donations fund the expertise, tools, and patient experiences that go beyond keeping the lights on at a children's hospital
- How personal experiences can shape a lifelong career mission: why Rachel's journey from college to motherhood to Children's Hospital became a calling she could not have planned
- The importance of adaptability when navigating leadership change: how Rachel survived multiple leadership transitions by filling the space and focusing on the success of each new leader
- Why strong donor relationships are built on trust and connection: how philanthropy becomes a community when donors see the difference their giving makes in a child's life firsthand
- How to build and retain mission-driven, high-performing teams: why longevity matters in fundraising and how Children's Hospital built a team that stays for decades
- Why turnover in fundraising roles can impact long-term outcomes: the hidden cost of losing not just knowledge but the relationships and community connections that take years to build
- How Children's Hospital evolved into a regional and national leader: from a new facility in 2009 to transplant programs, heart care, and outpatient services that keep kids closer to home
- Why making care accessible closer to home is critical for families: how bringing specialist care, outpatient services, and new locations to communities across the region removes barriers for families in need
- The growing importance of behavioral health services for children: why walk-in clinics, therapists embedded in pediatric offices, and early detection are changing how families access mental health support
- Why meaningful work is rooted in purpose, not just profession: what Rachel learned about being exactly where you are supposed to be and building a career that fills your cup
Greg Weimer
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman — Confluence Financial Partners
Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families maximize their lives and legacies. His journey began in 1986 as a financial advisor, and he went on to join American Funds Distributors in 1993, where he became senior vice president and served on the Board of Directors.
Greg attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a business degree with a concentration in computer science and mathematics. He serves on the Board of Directors of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is Vice Chair of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and is a Knight of the Order of Malta.
He was named Italian Man of the Year by the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund in 2024 and received the Community Caritas Award from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2025.
