Erlanger Health System Foundation announces two local women have joined the philanthropic arm for the region’s nonprofit health system. Ashley Evans has joined as the director of Major and Planned Giving for Erlanger and Stefanie Wittler-Beavers has been appointed the director of Major and Planned Giving for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

Ms. Evans, who grew up on Signal Mountain, earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining Erlanger, Ms. Evans was the executive director for Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga where she helped raise more than $3 million in private funds for the general operations of a free primary care clinic for uninsured adults. She is particularly proud of a project funded that resulted in excellent outcomes for participating diabetic or hypertension patients that were introduced to vegan lifestyles and health classes.

Ms. Evans currently serves as immediate past president of the Chattanooga Civitan Club, is a member of the First Horizon Reinvestment Act Advisory Council, and secretary of the Tennessee Charitable Care Network. Previously held positions of volunteer leadership include chair of the Board of Trustees at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute and chair of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Region III Planning and Policy Council.

Ms. Wittler-Beavers, also a lifetime resident of the area, joined Erlanger in 2019 as the director of Development for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Erlanger’s Corporate Partners. In this position she established, organized and lead multiple roundtable events hosted by Erlanger CEO Dr. William Jackson, engaging local business and community leaders in a collaborative conversation on the relationship of the health system to the region on all levels. Prior to joining Erlanger, Ms. Wittler-Beavers was a cardiovascular and neurological specialty pharmaceutical sales representative for Arbor Pharmaceuticals. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Belhaven University where she graduated with honors.

In 2009, Ms. Wittler-Beavers was crowned Miss Tennessee and achieved “Second Runner-Up” for Miss America 2010. During her reign, she served as the official spokesperson for the governor and the Tennessee Department of Education in Tennessee’s public schools as well as the state spokesperson and Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Continuing her legacy of philanthropy, Ms. Wittler-Beavers serves on multiple boards and committees honoring veterans.

“As the Foundation expands its philanthropic footprint to include raising money for multiple service lines, it is critical that we invest in building relationships both internally and externally,” said Julie Taylor, president of the Erlanger Health System Foundation. “Both Ashley and Stefanie have experience developing strategic partnerships and understand the impact they can have not only Erlanger but for our community at large.” 

For more information about Erlanger Foundation, to learn more about current needs of the health system or to see how to get involved, visit ErlangerFoundation.org