Philanthropy
Rod’s Support of Philanthropic Fundraising
Throughout his career, Rod involvement has consistently made a significant impact on fundraising efforts. Supporting a range of causes, from the life sciences to health equity and medical advancement, these initiatives has collectively generated between $100,000 and $1 million. Rod’s strategic advocacy and passion for philanthropy have mobilized resources and inspired others to contribute, amplifying the impact of each campaign.
Rod has carved out a significant niche in philanthropy, not through solitary efforts alone, but by spearheading initiatives that rely heavily on a team-oriented approach. His contributions have resulted in several million dollars being funneled into transformative projects, showcasing a perfect blend of leadership and teamwork.
Most notably, his contributions have been pivotal in bringing attention and support to underfunded programs like STEM education for students in grades 6-12 and building more diverse corporate boards. By leveraging connections and fostering partnerships, these fundraisers have not only achieved their financial goals but also have raised awareness and sparked important conversations around the supported causes.
These campaigns have served as more than just financial lifelines—they've acted as catalysts for change, empowering communities and improving countless lives. One example is Rod’s role alongside over 20 Biotech CEOs and C-Suite individuals in hiking over 20 miles in the North Cascades Mountains (east of Seattle) to raise over $1 million to help fight poverty with the Timmerman Traverse for Life Science Cares. His role in these fundraising drives exemplifies the power of dedicated engagement and the significant difference one can make through committed action.
Ultimately, Rod’s effectiveness in philanthropy hinges on this seamless integration of leadership and teamwork. His ability to rally his team and harness their collective energy ensures that each fundraising initiative not only meets its financial goals but also leaves a lasting impact on the communities served. This synergy between Rod and his team underscores the transformative power of cooperative effort in driving meaningful social change.
Team Achievements
Timmerman Traverse for Life Science Cares (LSC)
Total Hike Goal $1 million (met goal) 2025
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indianapolis
Over two years team raised $1.45MM
Executive Host Committee Member
United Way of Central Indiana
Team - $5mm-10mm over 15 years
Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) Gala
Goal: Raise $1 million to fund the Barry Lawson Williams Endowment Fund the BCBR Program at Santa Clara University
Results: Team Raised $500,000
Philanthropic Organizations
Timmerman Traverse for Life Science Cares (LSC)
Biotech CEO Hiker raised $40,000
Major Donor: $60,000
Total donated or raised: $100,000
Total Hike Goal $1 million (met goal)
LSC National Board of Advisors / Donor: $3,000
National Medical Association
Scholarship Fundraiser for Virginia Caine, MD Scholarship
Co-Chair for Event
Major Donor: $10,000
Gala Co-Chair
Goal: Raise $1 million to fund the Barry Lawson Williams Endowment Fund the BCBR Program at Santa Clara University
Results: Raised $500,000
Major Donor: personally donating over $100,000
250 attendees
Meharry Medical School
Board of Advisors School of Advanced Computational Sciences
Major Donor: $40,000
Boy Scouts of America
2Flo Ventures Health Equity Investing Summit
Donor: $2,500
Moderator for Health Disparity Gaps, Costs, and Impacts Panel Discussion
Donor for Fundraiser for the Sepsis Alliance
Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI)
Keynote Speaker for 38th Annual Banquet
Major Donor: $10,000
Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indianapolis
2024 - Major Donor: $10,000 contribution to total gala that raised `$600,000
2025 - Executive Host Committee Member: Personally raised $30,000 to total gala that raised $850,000
Black Corporate Board Readiness Gala
Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis
Gennesaret Free Clinic, Inc.
Major Donor: $20,000
Rod's Philanthropic Work in Action
Major Donor: $20,000
United Way of Central Indiana
Former Member of the Board of Directors
Major Donor for 15 years, donating over $175,000
Raising via over the Edge
Touch4Life
Donor: $10,000
The Dannon Project
Major Donor: $30,000
Philanthropic Organizations
Alzheimer's Association of Indianapolis
The Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter provides comprehensive support, education, and advocacy across 73 counties in Indiana. They offer both in-person and online educational programs, such as ALZ Talks and ALZNavigator™, to assist individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. The chapter also organizes signature fundraising events like the Walk to End Alzheimer's®, The Longest Day®, and Ride to End ALZ®, and advocates for critical legislation at both state and federal levels.
Black Corporate Board Readiness Program; Santa Clara University
The Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program at Santa Clara University is a six-week, fully virtual executive education course designed to prepare Black leaders for corporate board roles. It offers over 40 hours of instruction plus personalized mentorship on governance, personal branding, and boardroom dynamics. Open to senior executives and successful entrepreneurs, the program has educated over 300 leaders and helped place alumni in more than 150 board positions. BCBR focuses on enhancing diversity in corporate governance by providing practical skills, networking, and mentorship from current board directors.
Timmerman Traverse for Life Sciences Cares
The Timmerman Traverse is an annual fundraising event led by biotech leaders, supporting causes like Life Science Cares, which fights poverty and inequity, and Sickle Forward, which improves sickle cell disease care in Africa. Participants take on challenging hikes while raising millions to fund programs for basic needs, education, and healthcare. The event builds community among biotech professionals committed to driving positive social impact.
Community Health Network Foundation (Indianapolis)
The Community Health Network Foundation, established in 1976, is a nonprofit that supports Central Indiana’s Community Health Network by raising funds to enhance patient care, medical research, and community health programs. Covering all operating expenses through the health network itself, the foundation ensures that 100% of donations directly benefit patients and initiatives such as cancer care, patient assistance, and behavioral health. One of its key fundraising events is The Giving Gig, supporting oncology patients at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI)
The Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI), established in 1986, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing minority student participation and success in STEM fields, with a focus on engineering and information technology. Through hands-on programs for students in grades 6-12 — including robotics, coding, and college readiness workshops — MEPI fosters academic excellence and career exploration. The organization boasts a strong track record: over 620 program graduates, with 90% pursuing college education and 40% entering STEM careers. MEPI also hosts events like its annual golf outing to support scholarships and student programming.
Rodney Cotton offers more than expertise — he offers partnership. With a career that spans Fortune 100 boardrooms, high-growth startups, global healthcare transformations, and philanthropic leadership, Rod brings a rare mix of strategy, substance and humanity to every service he provides. Whether you engage him as a coach, advisor, board member, or speaker, Rod’s approach is anchored in clarity, values and an unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change.
His services are rooted in real-world leadership experience: turning around multi-billion-dollar divisions, launching breakthrough innovations under pressure, building inclusive coalitions, and mentoring the next generation of change makers. Rod doesn’t apply off-the-shelf strategies — he tailors each engagement to the unique mission, stage, and needs of the people and organizations he serves. From C-suite strategy to grassroots mentorship, his work is driven by a single goal: unlocking growth with purpose.
Rod believes that leadership is not about status — it’s about stewardship. Across all his service areas, he operates with humility, insight and a sharp instinct for what matters most. Whether you’re building a company, reshaping a culture, navigating crisis, or preparing for the next step in your journey, Rod meets you where you are — and helps move you forward with conviction.
Rod’s Story
Case Studies
I Need You... You need me: 7 Tips to Help You Grow by Giving
“Rod Cotton's great insights and tips are worth following. “
— Jeffrey Upperman, MD, Professor of Surgery, Vanderbilt
Black Corporate Board Readiness Gala
“Rod, your generosity in support of our BCBR program is inspirational. I'm honored to be a fellow alum with you and the rest of the amazing and talented folks who have participated in this outstanding program!”
— Sherie Hickman, Board Member, ADEii Health, Former CEO Sutter Health
Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Leaders Gathering
“Rod, thank YOU for sharing your story and introducing Gigi to 110 more leaders today. It was incredibly motivating and we are grateful for your time, talents and energy!”
— Anne Murray, VP Development, Alzheimber's Association of Indiana
Pushing The Limits: Celebrating My Father's Legacy in the Great Outdoors
“How motivating and uplifting! The training you are doing sounds difficult - all the best with continuing your training and the actual event!”
— Tiffany Olson, Board Members CEO and President, Advisor; Speaker
Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI)'s Year-End Banquet
“Rod Cotton: I sincerely appreciate your profoundly inspiring words at the MEPI celebration. Your keynote address was deeply rooted in faith, self-discipline, determination, self-efficacy, and God. My son just completed his second year, and he, along with his closest friend, will forever treasure the invaluable contributions made on behalf of everyone mentioned in your post! Your heartfelt sentiments will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for generations to come. Cheers to you, my friend.”
— Jewel Mosley, Lecturer/Faculty Indiana University School of Social Work
Rod Cotton announces his purpose for joining the Timmerman Traverse For Life Science Cares
“Congrats, Rod! Gook luck with the hike. You're making a difference.”
— K.T. Ngooh, Executive Producer/Director
