By Brian Van Norman
Passion for Healthy Living
Growing up on his family’s farm in Iowa, Kevin Cain, 58, learned early in life the importance of eating well and living a healthy lifestyle. “I grew up outdoors, playing sports and farming with my family,” recalls Cain. “My mother cooked fresh food for us everyday and that’s why I still enjoy eating well.” He stays active by running and working out at the gym and has become increasingly passionate about the practice of yoga. “I schedule my free time around my yoga practice,” he says. “I’ve been a frequent flyer on the mat for seven years now. Every day I practice, I feel better.”
Cain carries his values for healthy living into his professional career as well. After serving as vice president of planning and marketing for Rex Hospital, he became president and CEO of the John Rex Endowment when it was established in 2001. The Endowment provides funds to support activities, programs and organizations that improve the health of underserved people in Wake and surrounding counties.
“I believe the Endowment should contribute thoughtful, inspired efforts to make a place for youth to be healthy, active, and enjoy a sense of well-being,” Cain says. And contribute is exactly what the Endowment has done. Under Cain’s leadership, the Endowment has granted nearly $20 million to some 70 area organizations in the past seven years. Recently, the Endowment dedicated $2.5 million to promote healthy weight in children through its childhood obesity initiative. This long-term commitment has granted initial funds to 15 area elementary schools, five neighborhood projects and to the expansion of a pediatric diabetes program.
The Power of Collaboration
With experience, Cain realizes that progress cannot be a one-way street. He believes organizations need to work together to combat the emerging issues faced by residents in need. “We need to encourage conversations among people with a passion for progress and with compassion for suffering.”
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| (L-R) Ben Bradsher, chair, John Rex Endowment board of directors, Kathy Higgins and Liliana Berman, 2007 Hands of Health Award winners, and Kevin Cain, president and CEO, John Rex Endowment. |
Cain is always up for an insightful conversation about society’s pressing issues. Whether in the office or at a local coffee shop, he remains open-minded to different perspectives he encounters. He realizes that it is here, during these conversations that relationships are forged and true progress can be achieved. His openness doesn’t go unnoticed. Longtime friend and medical director for Wake County Dr. Peter Morris notes, “Kevin not only listens well, but asks probing questions that cut to the core of an issue. He never leads you to ‘his’ answer, but seeks an approach that could be practically implemented and effectively evaluated.”
Cain remains level headed as the list of organizations associated with the Endowment grows. His calm demeanor makes it easy for colleagues and non-profit partners to feel comfortable. “Kevin has both warmth and grace in his communications, and this generates trust,” says Barbara Bradley, executive director of Action for Children, NC. “Kevin’s strength is fostering collaboration among service providers and advocates alike.” This is evidenced by the creation of the Hands of Health Award breakfast. Now in its fourth year, this event brings area health leaders together to recognize individuals who are using innovative approaches to foster the well being of local children.
Giving Back
From his undergraduate days at the University of Iowa to his days as a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and throughout his professional career, Cain has always believed in remaining active in the community. He is currently director of the Wake County Smart Start board, a member of Grantmakers in Health and a member of the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers. He has served as a board member of NC Prevention Partners and Communities in Schools Wake County in addition to chairing the Leadership Council of the Wake County 10-year Action Plan to End & Prevent Homelessness for the past two years.
Maintaining Balance
Although he juggles professional and community involvement, he puts his family above all else. “My family life is the center of the gyroscope,” boasts Cain. “My balance comes from supporting my sons, staying connected with my brothers and dad who are spread out across the country, and being a partner with my wife as we navigate our own changes together.”
At 58, Kevin Cain has learned to be less interested in his career and more vested in his work. He seeks out others to work with and appreciates the value of these relationships. He has become more mindful of the gifts he has received and values living in the present. He enjoys the journey and continues to follow the advice a former teacher once gave him, “Show up, burn brightly, live passionately, and when the work is done, step back and let go.”
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