Cooper Foundation names new VP of advancement

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The Cooper Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Cooper University Health Care – continues to build its team with the appointment of Lois Gabin-Legato as vice president of advancement for major gifts and planned giving, the organization announced Feb. 7. 

Gabin-Legato brings nearly 20 years of experience in major gift fundraising, grants and asset development with public charities and universities. She joins the Camden organization from the Philadelphia Foundation, where she has served as vice president of institutional advancement and chief advancement officer since 2016.  

She also served in executive roles at both Drexel University’s and Temple University’s offices of Institutional Advancement. 

In the hiring announcement, Cooper said that Gabin-Legato “is one of several executive team member additions to The Cooper Foundation over the coming weeks to support Cooper’s current growth and 10-year strategic plan.” 

“The Cooper Foundation plays an important role in furthering Cooper’s mission to serve, heal, and educate the residents of our region,” Philip Norcross, chairman of foundation’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “As we expand Camden’s Health Sciences campus to serve more residents, we are happy to add a professional fundraiser of Lois’ caliber to our team.” 

In September 2022, Cooper announced a $2 billion expansion to its campus in Camden.

Gabin-Legato graduated from Queens College, C.U.N.Y., and earned her Juris Doctor from Temple University.  

In the community, she is a member of the Barnes Foundation Professional Advisors Council, the Sunday Breakfast Club, Impact100 South Jersey, and is a volunteer with The Alice Paul Institute. 

This past fall, the 12th annual Red Hot Gala in Camden raised a record $3.5 million for foundation. Click here to see photos from the event.