Day in the Life: Virginia Kelly Judd, Executive Director, Humana Foundation

I believe I have the best job at Humana because every day brings fulfillment.

As with any job, there are routine tasks, but those are more than balanced by the knowledge that what we do contributes to making a real difference in people's lives. Through my team's work in corporate philanthropy, we promote the well-being of individuals, families and communities. We serve as a catalyst, partnering with community nonprofits that are improving childhood health, raising levels of health literacy, and encouraging active lifestyles.

I am blessed to be a steward of Humana's philanthropic resources and subscribe to the adage: It's easy to give money away, but it's difficult to do so thoughtfully.

While providing financial support is critical, equally if not more important, is how we contribute ourselves. Therefore, I am passionate about Humana's volunteerism efforts and the impact we as an organization can have through our 35,000 associates.

8:30 AM: Review schedule of the day; read and respond to e-mails; prepare for meetings

Handle routine correspondence and review background material of nonprofit organizations requesting funding from The Humana Foundation. Materials include the mission, goals and priorities of the organization; financial information; our history of support; impact and outcome reports from previous grants; and comments from Humana Foundation colleagues.

9:30 AM: Meet with nonprofit organization (site visit or meeting at the Foundation)

Meet with Executive Director and Director of Development to hear about their work and funding request. This meeting helps us understand the need for support and if it's a good fit for Humana. A site visit allows us to observe programs in action and perhaps speak with the organization's clients to evaluate effectiveness and impact. No funding decisions are made during the meeting or site visit, but we end with clear next steps about a potential relationship going forward.

11:00 AM: Meetings with Humana Foundation staff

Meet with Foundation staff members to discuss priorities and internal initiatives such as Humana HEALThE* Schools, Wellness Information Zone, and Humana Volunteer Network. Staff provides updates about our work, highlight activities that need immediate attention, and tie progress to department goals. *(Humana HEALThE Schools = Healthy Environments, Active Lifestyles, Through Education Schools, a pilot program creating a culture around health and fitness in elementary schools)

12:15 PM: Lunch with the Donor's Forum of Kentuckiana

Meet with other foundation executives to discuss challenges and opportunities in our sector. We sometimes collaborate with other funders to leverage support and enhance effectiveness of our grant making.

2:00 PM: Discuss nonprofit board membership with a Humana leader

Meet with Humana leader to learn more about how his/her skills and interests might align with local community boards that have requested a Humana member. We discuss volunteer opportunities, roles, responsibilities, and expectations of a board member to find the best fit for their service.

3:00 PM: Meet with Mike McCallister, Humana's Chairman and CEO and Chair of The Humana Foundation

Discuss company's philanthropic strategies and initiatives and seek his guidance on future plans. We review the Foundation's financials, explore outcomes to date on key projects and grants, and discuss ways to raise the level of Humana associate volunteerism.

4:00 PM: Respond to phone calls and catch up on correspondence

5:00 PM: Attend Gilda's Club Louisville Board Meeting

About Virginia Kelly Judd
Virginia Kelly Judd joined Humana in 1990. As the Executive Director of The Humana Foundation, Ms. Judd directs Humana's corporate philanthropy and volunteerism with responsibilities including day-to-day operations, strategic planning, communications, evaluation and relationship building. She also represents Humana and the Foundation in community projects and works closely with nonprofit organizations and partner institutions where Humana has a significant presence.

Ms. Judd graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky and received a master's degree from the University of Kentucky's Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. She earned a second master's degree in French from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. She is past president of the Donors Forum of Kentuckiana and a graduate of Leadership Louisville, a founding member of the Jefferson County Medical Society's Supplies Over Seas (SOS) committee and a current board member of Gilda's Club Louisville and the Greater Louisville Project.

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