UMMC establishes planned giving program

Natalie S. Hutto has joined the Medical Center as the organization’s first director of gift planning in the Office of Development.

A licensed CPA and tax attorney, Hutto worked in public accounting and practiced law at a local tax firm in Jackson before accepting the position at UMMC in August. She joins the development office under the leadership of Sara Merrick, executive director and chief development officer.

A native of Madison, Hutto earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting, master of taxation and law degree from the University of Mississippi. Her primary career focus is in estate, gift and income tax planning with an emphasis in charitable giving.

“My education and career have been centered on understanding the tax code in order to help others preserve wealth and manage their financial goals in accordance with those laws,” she said. “When this position came open for the director of gift planning, it was a great opportunity for me to help others in the estate planning process who want to give back to UMMC.”

Hutto’s role is to aid the Medical Center in fulfilling its mission to improve the health of all Mississippians through philanthropic support.

“We have a lot of wonderful alumni, faculty, staff and grateful patients here at the Medical Center who want to give back, who have the ability to do profound things for the Medical Center,” she said. “I have the opportunity to help them find creative ways to fulfill their financial goals and make an impact and create a legacy here at UMMC.”