May 25, 2006, ST. LOUIS – Julia Silber Ruvelson will begin her role as the new vice president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation on July 1. She has had more than 20 years of experience in development and fundraising.

Ruvelson comes to Barnes-Jewish after serving as director of development at UW Medicine. Her expertise in development helped to fundraise $1 billion for UW, the University of Washington''s academic health system that includes the School of Medicine, University of Washington''s Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. She was also a leader in the major gift fundraising staff at UW.

Ruvelson''s fundraising experience also includes Harvard University, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and the John Tracy Clinic, which is a worldwide preschool for deaf children and their families. She has also worked with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Angeles Girl Scout Council.

"I anticipate that Julia will help lead the Barnes-Jewish Foundation to new heights. This is especially important as we embark on a campaign to raise at least $20 million for the new Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing," said Andy Ziskind, MD, president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.