Erika Samuels named Baptist Health Foundation Floyd director

When Erika Samuels walks into Baptist Health Floyd, she does not feel like a newcomer.

In many ways, she feels like she is coming home.

Samuels stepped into her role as Baptist Health Foundation Floyd Director in February, bringing with her years of experience in healthcare fundraising. She came to Floyd after working for the non-profit AMPED (Adventurous Minds Produce Extraordinary Dreams). She also worked for a Parkinson’s non-profit which is where she was first introduced to Baptist Health Floyd.

“One of the Parkinson’s support groups meets here at the hospital so it’s nice four years later to come back and say I am home,” she said.

“Fundraising is a tool I use but my passion is more of the healthcare piece and patient impact.”

Samuels said working for the Parkinson’s group for eight years was her introduction to healthcare.

“It was an independent organization, so I had the ability to get in and be creative and spend time building out exercise programs and support groups,” she said. “There were more patient facing opportunities.”

She also worked for Norton’s Foundation for two years.

“That helped me learn how to tap in to building relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical companies and all different aspects of healthcare,” she said.

Now, as Baptist Health Foundation Floyd Director, she sees her role as both focused and uniquely supported.

“As a market lead, you don’t have to worry about the HR or Administrative functions — you can dive right into the fundraising,” she said. “It is structured for you to make the most impact with your time. Not many organizations are set up that way.”

That structure allows her to concentrate on what she does best: building relationships.

And she sees plenty of opportunities ahead.

Living in Hardin County, Samuels has long been aware of Baptist Health’s reach, particularly in rural communities. That firsthand perspective has deepened her appreciation for the system’s broader mission.

“My appreciation for Baptist goes beyond Floyd,” she says. “I can see the impact in my own community.”

Since stepping into the role, she has felt a strong sense of momentum and said everyone has been welcoming.

“There’s a lot of synergy and excitement,” she says. “We’re putting our brains together to figure out how we can take the foundation to the next level — seeing higher levels of donations and revenue.”

In her first year, Samuels is focused on meeting revenue goals — but also on something less measurable and just as important: visibility.

“That means being out in the community, meeting people, and making sure they know we’re here and what our mission is,” she said.

For Samuels, it is about patients, families, and communities — and making sure they have the support they need when it matters most.

“From the moment we met Erika, she felt like someone who belonged here. She has the kind of presence that puts people at ease while also inspiring confidence,” said Vice President of Philanthropy Roy Lowdenback. “She’s already showing the kind of leadership that will move Baptist Health Foundation Floyd forward in impactful ways.”

For those interested in donating to the Foundation, call 812.949.6303 or go to SupportBaptistHealth.org.