Brian Canavan

Executive Director/ Philanthropy Officer, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

Native of New Jersey

Industry: Healthcare

Brian Canavan is consistently impressed at the generosity he sees in the people of Rowan County. “What I love about Salisbury and Rowan County is that the community always comes together to solve challenges and better the community,” he says.

He sees this in his work as Executive Director/Chief Philanthropy Officer at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation. Financial support from the community helped open the doors of the state-of-the-art Wallace Cancer Institute, the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, a mobile 3-D mammography unit, and much more. 

He also observed this generous spirit as he watched the community build Bell Tower Green Park in downtown Salisbury, his favorite outdoor space. “The community raised $13 million for the park and gave it to the city and the people of the community,” he says. “That is so telling. It demonstrates the spirit and generosity of the entire community.”

The park is “an incredible gathering place,” he says. “People from all walks of life enjoy it, and it truly brings people together.”

Brian came to Rowan County more than two years ago for his position leading the Rowan Medical Center Foundation. “I was recruited while living in Columbus Ohio. My wife, daughters and I got in the car and drove down to view the area. We stayed on High Rock Lake, ate at a few local restaurants, and explored the town. We all fell in love with the community.” His wife, Megan, is a teacher, and their daughters are Maggie, a third grader, and Abby, a kindergartener. “They absolutely love everything about this community,” he says of his family. “This is such an accepting community. You can become quickly ingrained and be a part of the community. There is something here for everyone. You have the unique small-town experience and will get to ‘know and be known.’ There is so much to offer, including top notch healthcare, multiple theater groups, symphony, great food, outdoor areas, and a close proximity to the mountains and beach.”

High Rock Lake helped sell his family on the community, he says. “It’s an asset and is not overly crowded, and it has such beauty.” For a newcomer, he has several suggestions. “I take people to our incredible downtown and also to one of the top-notch golf courses in the county. “The Country Club Golf Course is a Donald Ross course, and I would put it up against any top-rated golf club. The county also has other great courses.” For families, he suggests Dan Nicholas Park or Lazy 5 Ranch in Mt. Ulla.” Lazy 5 is very unique for people from out of state,” he says.  

Brian lived and worked in Minnesota, Ohio, and many other locations before coming here. He has worked in philanthropy for the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Prior to that, his love of hockey led him into marketing for the NHL’s Boston Bruins. He earned an MBA from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and worked in marketing and corporate partnerships with the University Athletics Department.

His commitment to this community led him to participate in the Rowan Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Rowan program and he now serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Rowan. “It’s a great program to go through, and I can give back to the community and help grow the program,” he says. He also serves on the Rowan Salisbury Schools Career Technical Education (CTE) Committee, which equips students for various vocations. “The Medical Center is one of the county’s largest employers,” he says. “We want students aware of all professions in healthcare. We have over 100 professions that pay living-wage salaries.” He is a Rotarian and says that serving on boards “allows me to work with other incredible human beings to have a meaningful impact. I also get the privilege in my day job to lead the Rowan Medical Center Foundation. I get to work with so many inspiring people to help save lives and improve the health of our community.”

His favorite restaurants include Sweet Meadow Café, La Cava, Carpe Vinum, and the new White Rabbit Cocktail Parlour. “It pushes the envelope, and it’s such a blessing for it to be in this county,” he says of the White Rabbit. “It’s such an incredible dining experience.”

His favorite event is the ’Tis the Season Spectacular holiday parade and festival at Bell Tower Green Park. “Again, it’s the community coming together. Every detail of it is top-notch and well planned. It’s a great way to kick off that time of year and is so family friendly. The planners, Shari (Graham) and Hen (Henrietta Henderlite) really make the entire day spectacular,” he says. 

Brian says that the county slogan, Be an Original, ™ means: “We do it the Rowan way! We’re unique, unlike any other place, and everyone can make their mark. Rowan has a storied proud history and an incredibly bright future. People care so deeply and are willing to come together to make great things happen. The future here is bright, and you can be a part of it!”