A Lifelong Commitment to Non-Profit Leadership and Healthcare Advocacy
From Non-Profit Leadership to Steering Alzheimer’s Community Care
Michael Jessup’s remarkable journey is a testament to a life shaped by resilience, family values, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Beyond his extensive 25-year career in non-profit leadership and healthcare advocacy, Michael’s childhood experiences and family background have been foundational pillars in steering both his personal and professional pursuits.
Childhood Roots: A Foundation of Resilience
Born in Washington DC and raised in Baltimore, Michael’s childhood was marked by the unwavering support of his parents. Their emphasis on family values, resilience, and treating Michael’s health challenges, including a diabetes diagnosis at the age of eight, as ordinary aspects of life, set the tone for his future endeavors.
This early experience with adversity became a source of strength that would define Michael’s outlook on life. His parents’ nurturing approach, treating him no differently than any other child, instilled in him a determination to face challenges head-on – a quality that would become a hallmark of his leadership style in later years.
In a poignant revelation, Michael shares a profound personal journey that adds another layer to his drive to making a difference. “I was supposed to be dead 26 years ago. Kidney failed,” he reveals. “I have my brother’s kidney.” Following this critical juncture, Michael faced yet another life-altering challenge. “And then 18 months after that, they took a chance, and I had one of the first pancreas transplants.”
Surviving against the odds, Michael emphasizes the gratitude he feels every day. “You just worship every day. You try to make an impact on somebody’s life every day.”
Advocacy Beyond the Boardroom: A Commitment to Healthcare Causes
Michael’s professional journey spans a diverse spectrum of non-profit organizations, showcasing a unique blend of skills honed over the years. From serving as the Executive Director at Susan G. Komen Maryland Affiliate to holding leadership roles with the Maryland Center for the Visual and Performing Arts and the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine, Michael’s leadership prowess extends across various sectors.
As an independent non-profit consultant, he brought his wealth of experience to diverse organizations, contributing to program development, staff motivation, and overseeing critical operations. Each role in his career served as a stepping stone, informed not only by his professional acumen but also by the values instilled during his formative years.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael has been an unwavering advocate for healthcare causes, channeling his passion into serving on boards and volunteering for organizations that align with his values. Contributions to the National Kidney Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Maryland, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center, and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy showcase his commitment to addressing critical healthcare issues.
These roles have allowed Michael to leverage his skills and knowledge to support initiatives focused on kidney health, diabetes research, transplantation, and healthcare philanthropy. His passion for these causes is deeply rooted in personal experiences, including his own health challenges and the impact of neurocognitive disorders on his family.
A Family Legacy in Healthcare Advocacy: A Personal Connection to Alzheimer’s
The personal connection to healthcare issues became even more profound as Michael’s parents faced dementia, adding a deeply emotional layer to his commitment. Despite the challenges of blindness and dementia, his parents lived at home, a testament to the kind of care and support Michael envisions for every family dealing with neurocognitive disorders.
As Michael now steers Alzheimer’s Community Care, his childhood resilience, family values, and extensive experience in non-profit leadership converge to shape a holistic approach to neurocognitive care. His leadership philosophy, rooted in collaboration, positivity, and a commitment to learning from both successes and challenges, positions the organization for continued success.
A Vision for Tomorrow: Leading Alzheimer’s Community Care to New Horizons
As President & CEO, Michael envisions Alzheimer’s Community Care – not just as a premier daycare service but as a comprehensive support system for families facing the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s. His commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families is not merely a professional pursuit; it’s a reflection of his core values and personal experiences.
Michael credits his success to his wonderful fiancé, Nicole, and two great kids – who make the journey worth it all. He is a self-confessed “baseball junkie” – who loves to cook and collect sports memorabilia.
Michael Jessup’s journey from childhood resilience to non-profit leadership and healthcare advocacy is the unique narrative of a leader whose roots run deep. His commitment to family values, shaped by childhood experiences, echoes in his professional pursuits, driving him to create a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by neurocognitive disorders.
Alzheimer’s Community Care, established in 1996 as a Florida-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, stands as a beacon of support for individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, along with their dedicated caregivers. Operating proudly in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, the organization offers an array of specialized services. These include 12 Specialized Adult Day Service Centers, Family Nurse Consultants, a 24-hour Alzheimer’s Crisis Line, Support Groups, Case Management, Education, Training, and Advocacy. The committed team of professionals at Alzheimer’s Community Care is extensively educated, skilled, and trained in dementia-specific care. In a pioneering move, the organization provides electronic locator ID bracelets for individuals at risk of elopement across all three counties. Alzheimer’s Community Care is dedicated to preserving the well-being and dignity of both patients and caregivers within a community-based environment. Serving as an innovative model of care, the organization ensures accessibility, affordability, and individualized support through its comprehensive services and resources.
For more information on how you can make a difference, visit: www.alzcare.org
