SAGE BOLTE

If Sage Bolte forgets to take off her badge when she leaves the office, people often stop her to talk about their experiences with Inova Health System.

These types of stories from patients tend to be “very inspirational,” Bolte says. “You’re never more than one person away from being touched by the care we provide at Inova.”

Bolte began her career as a clinical oncology social worker, and earned a Ph.D. in social work from Catholic University in 2010. Moving into philanthropy wasn’t something she’d considered until Dr. J. Stephen Jones, Inova’s president and CEO, urged her to apply.

As the doctors started talking, Bolte realized the role combined work she’s both good at and loves doing — fostering meaningful relationships, building a collaborative team, telling stories and talking about Inova. Four months later, she was the new chief of philanthropy.

As her name suggests, Bolte moves fast. The mom of three spends time training for sprint triathlons. Her two “very active” teenagers also keep Bolte and her husband busy, between hockey games and dance performances.

She also quickly took to her new role. In her first six years, the foundation raised $625 million, nearly double the amount of the prior six years. And her team just raised the most money in a year, totaling $150 million, thanks to a $75 million gift which the foundation subsequently matched — and all to help patients.

“I get to meet some of the most amazing and resilient individuals,” Bolte says.

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