A Profile of Leadership, Creativity, and Purpose
When Timothy Boynton walks into a room, there’s an unmistakable sense of presence, a quiet confidence shaped by art, purpose, and heart. As Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, as well as Chief PR & Communications Officer at Lakeland Regional Health, Boynton stands among the nation’s most visionary philanthropic leaders.
But his journey didn’t begin in a hospital boardroom. It began under the glow of Broadway lights behind the scenes, in the creative world where imagination, persuasion, and emotion meet. That stage, and the life lessons it offered, became the unlikely foundation for one of the most successful fundraising careers in modern healthcare.
Today, Boynton is recognized around the world for his contributions to philanthropy, honored by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International as one of the Top 40 of the World’s Leading Fundraisers and by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 40 Up-and-Coming Healthcare Executives. Yet beyond the accolades, his story is one of reinvention, resilience, and love, both professional and personal.
Behind the Curtain
Before leading multi-million-dollar campaigns, Boynton was immersed in the creative heartbeat of Broadway. A native of Manchester, NH, he grew up learning the value of hard work, humility, and community—qualities that would later define his leadership in philanthropy. Collaborating with Mark Schoenfeld, creator of the award-winning Broadway show Brooklyn the Musical, he honed his understanding of storytelling and connection.
“Theatre taught me that emotion drives everything,” he says. “The same empathy that moves an audience to tears can move a donor to action.”
But in 2007, his life shifted when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Boynton left the theatre world to care for her—a choice that forever changed his sense of purpose.
“When she passed in 2009, I knew I couldn’t go back to Broadway,” he says. “I’d seen what compassion looked like through her caregivers. I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to giving back in that same way—through healthcare.”
That decision became the first act in a new story, one grounded not in applause, but in impact.
Finding Lakeland: A Twist of Fate
After nearly two years of settling into his role at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, life took an unexpected turn. Boynton decided to visit his brother and family, who had recently moved to Lakeland, Florida, so their children could attend a performing arts high school.
It was Labor Day weekend in 2012, and while Boynton loved the warm weather and southern charm, he couldn’t imagine leaving his life and career in New England. That weekend quickly turned into a running joke, his family playfully trying to persuade the persuader to pick up his life and move south. They kept insisting he look for opportunities nearby, convinced that he belonged there too.
Fast forward just three days. He was back in his office up north when his phone rang. The voice on the other end introduced herself as an executive recruiter, calling about a new opportunity in Central Florida, in a city called Lakeland. “I laughed out loud, convinced it was my family prank-calling me after their weekend campaign. But it wasn’t a joke, it was fate.” Boynton said.
Boynton called his dad for advice – who happens to be Paul Boynton, well-known author and influencer and former CEO of The Moore Center – and he said something that would change his son’s life: “Act now. Think later.”
“Later that month, I was back in Lakeland interviewing for the position, and by January, I was packing up my life, trading snow boots for flipflops, and starting my next chapter at Lakeland Regional Health.” Boynton said.
The serendipity didn’t stop there. Years earlier, during his Broadway days working on Brooklyn the Musical, he had become close friends with Karen Olivo, who would go on to win a Tony Award. Boynton recalls, “I remember her talking about Lakeland back then, never imagining that one day, it would become my home too. Now, when she’s back in town, we laugh about how the universe has a funny way of connecting the dots, and how a weekend visit led me to a city, a career, and a purpose I was destined to find.”
Boynton continued, “Over the years, Lakeland has become my heartbeat. It’s where I’ve grown both personally and professionally, surrounded by a community that feels like family. I’ve come to know its people, their stories, their generosity, and their resilience. Being part of this community isn’t just a privilege; it’s an honor. Lakeland isn’t just where I work, it’s part of who I am.”
From Scripts to Stewardship
Boynton’s leap from the arts to philanthropy might sound unlikely, but for him, it was a seamless transition.
“Fundraising is storytelling,” he says. “It’s the art of helping people see themselves as part of something bigger.”
Under his leadership, the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation has raised record-setting funds and conducted groundbreaking capital campaigns, including the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, The Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, The Hollis Cancer Center, and The Bannasch Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine. Since his arrival in 2013, the LRH Foundation has raised more than $125 million.
Boynton’s work has attracted the admiration of global figures like Jay Leno, Molly Shannon, Trisha Yearwood, and Brooke Shields, who once said, “Tim has a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and inspired to give. That’s his real superpower.”
Reflecting on nearly two decades in development, Boynton says the work has evolved dramatically—and so has its urgency.
“When I started in Development 19 years ago at Elliot Health System, it was a luxury to buy teddy bears for the kids or provide free lunch through a golf outing. Now, literally, we’re fundraising to offset bottom lines and pay for services for those who don’t have the ability to pay—and we’re one of the poorest counties in the country with one of the largest, busiest emergency rooms. Last year we gave $60 million away in indigent care—and this is a national crisis; there’s one primary care physician to 1,200 patients, which means there’s not enough care to go around, so philanthropy has become a necessity. If we didn’t have it, we couldn’t provide the lifesaving work we’re doing. I’m still in touch with [Elliot Hospital President and CEO] Doug Dean—because Mark Schoenfeld taught me never to burn a bridge.”
That perspective underscores the gravity of his mission. For Boynton, philanthropy isn’t just about generosity—it’s about survival. Each campaign, each partnership, each ask fuels the capacity to deliver care to those who need it most.
The Power of Partnership: Danielle Drummond
If there is one constant in Boynton’s professional success, it’s his partnership with Danielle Drummond, President and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health. Her visionary leadership has transformed the organization into one of Florida’s largest and most trusted health systems, known for its innovation, compassion, and community impact. Under her guidance, the health system has achieved record-setting milestones in clinical excellence, patient experience, and philanthropic growth. Boynton says, “She has an extraordinary ability to see potential in others and draw it out in ways that inspire lasting change.”
Their partnership has become a cornerstone of Lakeland Regional Health’s culture, one defined by mutual trust, strategic collaboration, and a shared belief that meaningful progress begins with people. Over the years, their professional relationship has evolved into one of mutual respect and genuine friendship. Boynton credits much of his own growth and success to her mentorship and unwavering belief in him. “She’s been my mentor, my champion, and my friend,” he says. “If it weren’t for Danielle’s leadership and faith in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s shaped not only my career but my perspective on what great leadership really means.”
Together, Boynton and Drummond have turned shared vision into action, elevating philanthropy, communications, and community partnerships to new heights. The impact of their collaboration reaches far beyond the hospital walls, touching thousands of lives and redefining what healthcare leadership can look like when compassion and strategy work hand in hand.
Beyond the Boardroom: A Life Built on Love
While Boynton’s professional life has taken him from Broadway to the upper echelons of healthcare leadership, his personal life is what truly grounds him. He shares his life with Alvin Providence, whom he often calls his greatest blessing and constant source of light. Together, they have created a home filled with love, laughter, and purpose. A haven that reflects their shared values of kindness, creativity, and joy.
Their days are a mix of beautiful simplicity and spontaneous adventure, from traveling to new destinations and supporting the arts, to quiet evenings at home with their beloved dog, Piglet, who never fails to steal the spotlight. Whether they’re attending a theatre opening, hosting friends, traveling the World experiencing new cultures or lending their time and talents to philanthropic causes, the pair approach life with open hearts and a shared sense of gratitude.
“Our marriage is my favorite story,” Boynton says with a smile. “Every chapter gets better, and the best part is, we’re still writing it together.”
Full Circle: Returning to the Stage
While Boynton’s dedication to Lakeland Regional Health remains his top priority, he and Alvin have recently reconnected with another great love, the theatre. Together, they have become emerging producers. Their success with Bonnie and Clyde in London’s West End garnered glowing reviews and multiple awards. Now, the duo is attached to the upcoming Broadway musical Music Boy, with Hugh Jackman recently joining the project. “This journey back into producing has given me a taste of theatre again, ” Boynton says. “My passion and love for Lakeland Regional Health comes first. This just happens to be the perfect hobby.”
The Next Chapter: Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly
Coming in Spring 2026, Boynton will release his highly anticipated debut book, “Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly: Persuasion and the Power of the Ask.” The book’s title comes from a true story, in 2020, Boynton used what he calls “six degrees of persuasion” to reach Joni Mitchell, his late mother’s favorite artist, and convinced her to autograph vinyl records for his wedding party. Mitchell not only agreed but after asking for their story and photos, she sent back a handwritten note saying, “Your husband is very handsome, and you’re kind of cute, too.”
That letter became the spark for a book about courage, authenticity, and the extraordinary outcomes that happen when you simply ask with heart and purpose. Blending memoir, philanthropy, leadership, and storytelling, the book explores how persuasion, empathy, and connection can transform relationships. Hoping to attract interest from educators and publishers, with the vision that this book becomes a teaching tool in college classrooms worldwide.
“This isn’t just a book for fundraisers, ” Boynton says. “It’s a book for anyone who wants to make a connection, inspire action, or believe their voice matters. It’s about not being afraid to ask for something in life. It’s about not being afraid of rejection and it emphasizes never knowing unless you ask.”
Boynton’s story is more than a personal success; it’s a blueprint for how businesses and communities can thrive when mentorship and philanthropy intersect. His journey highlights the importance of investing in people, especially those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
As Boynton continues to lead his hospital’s fundraising efforts, he remains committed to inspiring others, just as he was inspired so many years ago by Mark Schoenfeld. Whether it’s guiding young professionals or advocating for the next generation of leaders, Boynton views his work as part of a larger mission.
“Mentorship and philanthropy have the power to change lives,” Boynton says. “I’m living proof of that.”
A Legacy of Light
From Broadway’s backstage to healthcare’s global stage, Timothy Boynton’s journey is one of taking chances, reinvention, faith, and fearless empathy. His contagious passion has transformed philanthropy into something deeply human, a collaboration of hearts, not just hands. As Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly prepares for its 2026 launch, Boynton stands as both storyteller and servant leader, living proof that when purpose and passion intersect, lives are changed forever.
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