With April marking her one year anniversary as CEO of the Phoenix-based MORE Foundation (Musculoskeletal Orthopedic Research and Education), Gina W. Ore has helped refocus the non-profit that envisions a world full of active people. 

Ore started by adding new Board of Trustee members and updated the purpose and mission of the foundation to be focused on Innovative Research, Community Education and Charitable Assistance with a focus on serving military veterans. 

With the support of its initial sponsor The CORE Institute in 2008, the MORE Foundation has built a reputation for pioneering innovative orthopedic programs, developing new technologies and spearheading breakthrough research to advance the understanding of orthopedic care.  Innovative research will remain a cornerstone of the MORE Foundation, and thanks to Ore’s efforts the MORE Foundation seeks to expand its community education efforts and charitable assistance programs. 

“The MORE Foundation envisions a world full of active people and I believe it’s safe to say that our new board has been very active and innovative since they joined us a few months ago!” said Gina W. Ore, CEO of the MORE Foundation.  “Our mission is to empower individuals to “Keep Life in Motion®” through our innovative research, community education and charitable assistance.  I’m very fortunate to work with a Board of Trustees that is comprised of dedicated and passionate industry leaders who are committed to expanding the existing research programs and develop and launch new education and charitable assistance programs and services.”

 “Since 2008, the MORE Foundation has been internationally known for its biomechanical and clinical research.  With Gina as CEO, the organization has successfully expanded its mission to include community education and charitable assistance,” said Patricia Lewis Finnell of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation who is the current Chair of the MORE Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  “I’m extremely excited to play a role in helping to improve the lives of those facing musculoskeletal as well as neuromuscular conditions as Gina and her team lead the MORE Foundation with expanded  programs and services.”

During Ore’s first year, the MORE Foundation launched new efforts including a yearlong educational series and mentorship programs to benefit a variety of members of the medical and health sciences community, including a new bioskills training facility.  The MORE Foundation also introduced a Grateful Patient program, and the MORE Volunteers for Patients (MVP) program, where MVPs will team-up with clinical staff and healthcare professionals to facilitate and enhance the experience of patients by providing personalized guest services. 

Ore’s plans for her second year include a worker transition program for military veterans wishing to transition to a civilian job in healthcare.   The program will provide a support team to military veterans to facilitate an on-the-job experience and training opportunity. The teams will include an Academic Advisor and Trainer, veteran personal coach and non-veteran personal coach who will assist military veterans in the transition from military to civilian work environments. Another program is the works is creation of a MORE Camp and Scholar program that will provide educational opportunities for high school seniors, two of which will be awarded scholarships should they pursue a career in health sciences. 

One of Ore’s primary responsibilities is to foster a culture of philanthropy that will facilitate support of innovative research, community education and charitable assistance.  During the last year, she has been successful in expanding the donor base and increase donations.

Prior to MORE Foundation, Ms. Ore spent 14 years at Sun Health Foundation and most recently served as Vice President and Chief Development Officer. In her role there, she led the reorganization of Sun Health Foundation after it merged with Banner Health in 2008. She has also held leadership positions at the American Red Cross and what is now known as Benevilla. In 1999, she founded the International Kim Foundation and currently remains its President. Ms. Ore has also enjoyed extensive community involvement as well through volunteer participation with the Hon Kachina Council, Sun City West Rotary Club and District 5490, West Valley Art Museum, Sun Cities Area Ministerial Association, the Association for Healthcare Professionals, Arizona Grantmakers Forum, and the West Valley Symphony.

Ms. Ore obtained a bachelor’s degree in music and psychology/sociology from Millikin University, completed requirements for her Certified Fundraising Executive certification, and completed her Master’s Degree in Innovative Leadership from Western International University.