Betsy Pilon

Betsy Pilon is a dynamic and dedicated leader known for her unwavering commitment to patient advocacy, healthcare improvement, and community building. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Alma College, she has built an impressive career spanning multiple sectors, primarily focusing on patient advocacy and healthcare communication.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of Hope for HIE Foundation since December 2020, Betsy has been a driving force behind the organization’s mission to raise awareness, provide education, advocate for resources, support research, and offer aid to families affected by neonatal and pediatric-acquired hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

During her tenure as President from 2013 to 2020, Betsy spearheaded transformative initiatives, including establishing a 501c3 status and exponentially expanding the Foundation’s reach from a modest 200-family Facebook group to an influential community of over 9,000 families worldwide. Her strategic vision and community-building efforts have solidified Hope for HIE as a premier organization globally, offering unparalleled support and advocacy for HIE-affected families.

Betsy’s role involves orchestrating the Foundation’s strategic operations, collaborating with the Board of Directors to propel mission-centric initiatives, managing personnel to optimize their roles, and fostering partnerships with researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies within the neonatology and pediatric neurology spheres. Her accomplishments include the establishment of a comprehensive funding strategy, pioneering novel clinical trial and research support frameworks, and employing specialized personnel, like social workers and child life specialists, to serve HIE families across diverse resource settings.

Beyond her work at Hope for HIE, Betsy has held significant positions in various organizations in the healthcare, education and automotive sectors.

Her deep involvement in advocacy and community leadership extends to numerous committees and boards, including the American Academy of Neurology Child Neurology Measures Workgroup, Newborn Brain Society Board of Directors, and several other key roles in organizations dedicated to neonatal and pediatric healthcare research and support.

Betsy is also an accomplished author and presenter, contributing impactful publications to esteemed medical journals and delivering insightful presentations at national and international conferences, webinars, and symposiums. Her presentations cover a wide array of topics, emphasizing the importance of support for HIE families, providing guidance on navigating the healthcare system, and advocating for enhanced care practices and clinical research.

With her unwavering dedication, strategic foresight, and tireless commitment to improving the lives of those affected by HIE, Betsy Pilon continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare community. Her advocacy efforts and visionary leadership set a benchmark for patient-focused healthcare initiatives worldwide.