In the Spotlight: Bob Pellettieri

This month, we proudly turn the spotlight on MMMC Board member Bob Pellettieri.

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Bob currently serves as a Second Vice President of Wealth Management for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; and offers professional investment counsel for a select group of high net worth individuals, retirees, small business owners, and non-profit organizations.

His professional portfolio is extensive with a 24-year career in investment strategy and financial planning which began in New York on Wall Street. In 1992, he joined the Maui office of Smtih Barney and is featured as a stock market commentator on Maui’s local radio station KMVI 550AM daily.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Bob also believes in giving back to and being an active member of our Maui community. He is a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Maui, a member of Hawaiian Canoe Club, a volunteer for Junior Achievement, a proud "big brother" for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Maui, President-Elect of Montessori School of Maui, and an active Board member of Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

In Bob’s spare time, he enjoys paddling canoe, weight training, running, as well as spending quality time with his wife Michelle and three children Kamille, Kalla and Kai.

Recently, we sat down with Bob about this involvement with MMMC Foundation and his personal thoughts on healthcare.

What motivated you to join the MMMC Foundation Board?

BP: I currently serve on a number of non-profit boards. I feel that serving on the MMMC Foundation Board allows me to directly impact the lives of people on Maui. The services that the hospital provides is essential and in many cases saves lives. If the Foundation can improve the level of healthcare to even a few individuals then we are making a difference in people’s lives. That is powerful.

What kind of contribution do you bring to the board to the Foundation?

BP: Financial expertise. My background and vocation are in finance, more specifically in investments and strategy. I currently assist MMMC Foundation’s finance committee with the management of the endowment fund.

What aspects of serving on MMMC Foundation do you enjoy the most?

BP: I enjoy the interaction with the other board members. It is an extraordinary experience when you put people together with diverse backgrounds, occupations, & opinions who work together for one common cause.

How has serving on the Foundation impacted your view on healthcare on Maui?

BP: I am much more appreciative and aware of the high level of care and expertise that exists on Maui and especially at MMMC. It is extremely gratifying to see first hand the upward trajectory that healthcare on Maui is experiencing.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

BP: A better understanding of how healthcare & medicine work as well as the satisfaction of knowing that I was part of a noble effort to make something better.

What do you hope others may learn from your involvement?

BP: That MMMC is committed to being the best hospital that it can possibly be. I encourage everyone to actively participate in MMMC Foundation as you can make a direct impact in people’s lives and the community as a whole.

Considering today's economic challenges, do you feel it’s important that the community continue to support non-profits like the MMMC Foundation?

BP: At this point in time MMMC is the only hospital that Maui has and we should support it any way that we can. By participating and contributing to MMMC Foundation, you make a direct investment in MMMC's progress which ultimately benefits you and your family.

How has involvement with MMMC Foundation helped to shape your views on philanthropy and what advice can you give others about getting involved in their community?

GB: I've developed a much stronger sense, awareness, and belief in our hospital – now based on first-hand, factual information, not hearsay and opinion. I’m no longer influenced by outdated folklore and I'm now able to provide input based on first-hand facts.

What advice can you give people in regards to philanthropy?

BP: I believe in sharing our success with others less fortunate and that a little can go a long way. I know how fragmented life can be in this day and age and that donating a little time and little bit of money can make a big difference to so many lives in a small place like Maui. I say just don’t talk about it. Do it. Volunteer. You will find that by giving to others selflessly in just a small way that you will receive so much more back as an unintended consequence.