Matt Brumley – 15 in 2015

// Director, Saline Memorial Health Foundation // 21 years in Saline County

Finding the lesson and joy in situations – good and bad – has led Matt Brumley on his personal and professional endeavors. Whether it’s been managing a medical emergency, dealing with his own sick child or organizing a Christian musical festival for more than 30,000 people, he tries his hardest to maintain a positive attitude. “No matter the circumstance, there’s a reason and purpose behind it,” he says. “If you wake up thinking bad things aren’t going to happen, you’re not living in reality. Hard times are inevitable, but what matters is how you respond and responding with a bad attitude or negativity is counterproductive.”

Growing up, Matt didn’t dream of a career in health care. A little more than 20 years ago, unsure of his future, he was driving from Hot Springs on Highway 70 and happened upon a horrific accident with fatalities. “It bothered me that I was put in a situation I wasn’t prepared for,” he says. “I didn’t know how to help.” Soon after, he became CPR-certified, which eventually led him to becoming a paramedic.

Matt has served in several capacities over his 15-year tenure at Saline Memorial Hospital. Before his current position as foundation director, he was manager over the emergency room and ambulance departments. Leading the foundation full-time has been a transition for Matt.

“For so long, I helped people with their immediate needs and now I’m approaching people and telling them about the needs of the hospital,” he says. Raising awareness about the hospital helps ensure patron support, a vital component to the hospital’s longevity. “Luckily, I’m part of a community where people readily get behind worthwhile causes.”

Matt’s source of motivation for everything he does is his children. “Ten years ago when my boys, Jacob and Josh, were born, my idea of community changed. I realized how important it is to have ample resources and opportunities where you live and raise your children.” Becoming an advocate for progress and community advancement was the next logical step for Matt.

His calling became more apparent about seven years ago when Jacob became very ill. The outpouring of support from the community, especially his church community, humbled him. “Before that time, I was a churchgoer but not a Christ follower,” he says. “That eye-opening experience changed my life and who I am. I truly saw the power of doing for others before doing for self, and to this day, I am motivated to live this way to show my kids the drastic difference they can make when they do for others.”