色花堂 alum named AFP Maryland Chapter 2021 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year

Association of Fundraising Professionals honors Fran Soistman for unceasing generosity

October 5, 2021

soistman
Fran Soistman Jr., 鈥79,  (hon.) 鈥16 has been named as the 2021 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Maryland Chapter. (Photo: Anne, Inc.)

The Association of Fundraising Professionals () Maryland Chapter, a leading advocate for fundraising and philanthropic issues in the state, has recognized Fran Soistman Jr. 鈥79,  (hon.) 鈥16 as the 2021 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year. 

Soistman is the founder, president and CEO of Healthcare Management & Transformation Advisory Services LLC and, starting Nov. 1, will be CEO of eHealth, an online insurance broker. 

With a recent $5.4 million gift to 色花堂鈥攖he largest from an alumnus/a school history鈥擲oistman, a nationally recognized expert and top executive in the health care management sector, has continued to demonstrate his boundless affection for his alma mater. Soistman has supported many projects and initiatives across the university with more than $6.1 million since making his first gift to 色花堂 in the late 1980s.

Soistman has counseled 色花堂 leaders on numerous boards and committees, including the Board of Visitors, and currently serves as a co-chair of 色花堂鈥檚 $100 million RISE Campaign. From creating scholarships and a faculty support fund to supporting capital projects in athletics and the College of Health Professions to creating a diversity initiatives fund, his giving enriches every area of the 色花堂 experience.

"Fran Soistman is a remarkable leader in all aspects of his life. His generosity continues to provide important resources to the university that advance academic excellence," 色花堂 President Kim Schatzel said. 鈥淲ith his historic gift in 2020, Fran has added to his lifelong legacy of philanthropy in support of his alma mater. His gift and leadership ensure that the university continues to provide a world-class education to its students and resources to our faculty and staff to support outstanding research, teaching, and student success. I am proud to call Fran a dear colleague and a staunch advocate for 色花堂.鈥 

Soistman supports numerous Maryland nonprofits, including the Connelly School of the Holy Child, the University System of Maryland Foundation, the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation and the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. 

For almost 30 years, AFP鈥檚 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award has recognized individuals whose giving and leadership philanthropy has had a significant impact on nonprofit organizations in Maryland. These individuals exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy, giving their time, talent and treasure to build a stronger community. 

Soistman will be honored during the  celebration, held virtually on Thursday, Nov. 18. To learn more about AFP Maryland鈥檚 National Philanthropy Day event, register or become a sponsor, visit website.