Brandon Kline: Championing Community Impact Through the Saint Francis Foundation

A Path to the Foundation

Brandon’s journey to the Saint Francis Foundation began through a professional connection. He first became involved through his relationship with Kevin Causey, whom he met during the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, an initiative backed by Presidents Clinton and Bush to foster leadership that addresses pressing societal challenges. Seeing Kevin’s work in the Tenderloin community, Brandon felt inspired to lend his expertise and support to an organization that aligned with his values of service and impact.

“I said yes because I thought it was a terrific opportunity. It aligned with my personal values, being in the community and being able to have a hands-on approach to solving what is really a substantial issue,” he shared.

Despite not coming from a healthcare background, Brandon has immersed himself in understanding healthcare delivery, hospital operations, and the critical role that the Foundation plays in supporting both the hospital and the broader community.

A Role in Governance and Strategy
As Governance Chair, Brandon plays a crucial role in shaping the composition and direction of the Foundation’s board. “My job really is to screen new board members and assess fit and to help to shape the fit of the board and our culture,” he explains. His focus has been on fostering diversity within the board, ensuring that it reflects the community it serves.

One of his key priorities has been modernizing the Foundation’s operations and strategy. Brandon believes in expanding the Foundation’s reach beyond traditional donors by engaging younger generations and small-dollar donors who can contribute in a sustained, meaningful way. “I’d like to broaden our appeal to a younger audience. That is a strategic imperative,” he emphasizes.

Impact and Challenges
Brandon recognizes the Foundation’s vital role in addressing San Francisco’s most pressing healthcare challenges. From supporting critical services like the Burn Unit to championing gender health initiatives, he sees the Foundation as an essential player in ensuring that vital healthcare resources remain accessible to those in need.

However, he also acknowledges the challenges ahead. “We have to modernize. We have to be strategically dynamic about our approach to being relevant to the broader context of what California needs,” he says. With shifting hospital ownership and the evolving healthcare landscape, maintaining donor engagement and financial sustainability is more critical than ever.

A Personal Commitment to Service
For Brandon, serving on the board is deeply personal. His father’s battle with heart disease gave him firsthand insight into the critical need for accessible healthcare, particularly among Black men, who are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses. “For me, this is a good opportunity to kind of make an impact on the lives of others who look like, you know, the community that I come from,” he shares.

Reflecting on one of his most impactful moments at the Foundation, Brandon recalls his tour of the Burn Unit. “That’s when it really clicked for me—that this is really important. Somebody is having a really hard day when they’re inside of this room as a patient,” he said.

A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Brandon hopes to see the Foundation continue to grow its impact through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and a broader donor base. He is particularly optimistic about the Foundation’s evolving relationship with UCSF. “I’ve never been more hopeful actually, since I started on the board. UCSF is a dream partner,” he says.

Beyond his board service, Brandon sees his role as a way to set an example for his children.

“Once you have kids, you realize that you want to leave things a little better than you found them for them,” he says. “And you have to also try to demonstrate the kind of person you want your kids to be.”

With his passion, leadership, and strategic vision, Brandon Kline is helping to shape the future of the Saint Francis Foundation, ensuring it remains a force for good in San Francisco and beyond.