Amber Slichta is a visiting fellow at TPI. In this role, Amber supports Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative, a multi-funder respite initiative established in 2019 serving Southeast Michigan and Western New York, to further its sustainability and impact for family caregivers of older adults. Leveraging the growing success of Exhale, Amber works to expand the initiative nationally, capitalizing on TPI’s unique ability to strengthen philanthropic impact through creative design and strategy. Her 30 years of expertise and leadership in healthcare and health philanthropy also supports TPI’s clients seeking to impact health in a variety of ways.

During the fellowship, Amber remains connected to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation where she held the position of Vice President of Programs and Learning for over eight years. At the Foundation, Amber’s role included overseeing the development and execution of grantmaking strategies in two focus areas: Caregivers and Preparing for Success. Her vision remains tangible through initiatives like Exhale; Liftoff, an initiative designed to ensure children reach critical milestones in their development; and Generator Z, a unique afterschool program that revolutionized grantmaking by giving voice to teens to significantly influence how afterschool programs are designed and run.

In addition, Amber has served as the vice president at the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. Over her 12-year tenure, she ascended from the role of a program officer to the interim CEO. She played a pivotal role in devising and executing initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and older adults.

A registered nurse, Amber holds an associate degree in applied science/nursing from Trocaire College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Canisius College, and a master’s degree in health services administration from D’Youville College. This comprehensive blend of healthcare expertise and administrative acumen underscores her ability to drive impactful initiatives in the philanthropic sector.

In her leisure time, Amber enjoys cooking and traveling with her husband and takes pleasure in the art of fly fishing. Additionally, she values quality moments spent with their canine companions Winston and Gia.