Simi Valley Hospital recently announced the appointment of Moorpark resident Donna Wick as the new executive director of the Simi Valley Hospital (SVH) Foundation.

In her new position, Wick will oversee all fundraising efforts on behalf of the hospital, including the new $50-million patient-care tower building campaign featuring 168 private care rooms and a Level II neonatal intensive care unit.

"I'm excited be part of the new Simi Valley Hospital," said Wick. "As the only hospital in the area, SVH has always been at the center of the health and well-being of the community. The patient-care tower building project continues that legacy of compassionate healing that has become synonymous with Simi Valley Hospital."

Other funding interests that Wick will champion include the Child Development Center for special needs children and the Nancy Reagan Breast Center, the hospital's state-of-the-art mammography service.

One of Wick's first responsibilities will be the annual Hats Off to Women luncheon, tea and fashion show, slated for Fri., April 28 at the Grand Vista Hotel in Simi Valley.

Wick also plans a capital campaign to refurbish the hospital's Emergency Department's waiting area.

Previously, Wick held key positions with the Alzheimer's Association in Santa Barbara County and the Parkinson's Institute, headquartered in Northern California.

In 2001 Wick launched www. fundraisingsamples.com, an Internet resource designed to assist nonprofit fundraising professionals with high-quality advice, samples and information. Today, that site has evolved into www. DevelopmentDirector.com. Wick has reduced her involvement with the website.

Wick, along with her husband and 3-year-old son, enjoys working close to her home in Moorpark. "I'm very proud to represent the interests of our community's hospital and its important mission of health and wellness," said Wick. "I'm eager to share the obvious and positive impact that Simi Valley Hospital plays not only for Simi Valley but also for the families of Moorpark."