“The poet Carl Sandburg wrote, ‘The republic is a dream. Nothing happens unless first a dream.’ And that’s what makes us, as Americans, different.” — Ronald Reagan As a former Reagan Leadership Program Fellow at his alma mater, those words are ones I have always remembered. For over a decade, my career in higher education focused on front-line development—securing major and principal gifts for scholarships, faculty support, capital projects, research, and unrestricted funds. This journey has been filled with incredible experiences and lasting relationships with loyal supporters, and it has been an honor to represent the university brands along the way. Recently, I felt a strong pull towards a new path. Our country is at a generationally defining moment for healthcare, with pressing conversations around transparency in benefits management and the affordability of life-saving treatments. I was honored to join the efforts in Louisville to modernize healthcare, where I have witnessed how dreamers and doers can create lasting change. Looking ahead to 2026, I am excited about the opportunities for cross-sector collaborations, infrastructure enhancements, and meaningful partnerships across industries. My focus will continue to be on building solutions that simplify complexity and drive impact. I can be reached via email at dbolsen@gmail.com or send me a LinkedIn message. I look forward to connecting with those who share these passions.