Director of Prospect Management, Analytics, and Research

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (HMHF) is pleased to appoint Ashley VanAssche as the director of prospect management, analytics, and research, effective November 10, 2025. VanAssche will be a critical member of HMHF’s operations team and will guide prospect management, analytics, and research best practices, partnering closely with frontline fundraising teams and colleagues across the foundation to maximize collaboration, productivity, and sustainable growth. VanAssche joins HMHF at an exciting moment as the foundation prepares for a groundbreaking comprehensive campaign. 

VanAssche brings over 15 years of experience across philanthropic functions and extensive experience in prospect research, portfolio management, and donor strategy development. In her most recent role as associate director, prospect research at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson), VanAssche was instrumental in expanding the grateful patient program by using data and analytics to connect donor interests with institutional priorities. Additionally, VanAssche led prospect identification initiatives to identify new donors and support MD Anderson’s expansion into Austin and Sugar Land. VanAssche was first introduced to prospect research in her role as senior grant officer, foundation relations at Henry Ford Health System, where she identified and managed relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors. VanAssche’s development career began at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she partnered with volunteer boards to design annual campaigns and executed special events, gaining exposure to direct donor engagement opportunities and patient care initiatives. 

VanAssche holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications sciences from the University of Connecticut and a master in public administration degree in health policy and management from Wayne State University. 

Rachel Ellenport led this search with Nicole Poe, Maureen Perry, and Megan Gorman.